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This resource is only a guide and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or ignore professional medical advice because of something you have read on a website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your child’s doctor, dial 911 or take her directly to the hospital Emergency Room (ER). The word “doctor” indicates your child’s designated primary health care professional, not necessarily an MD.

Symptoms

Dehydration is a side-effect of diarrhea, vomiting, fever or another infection that causes loss of fluids. Any or all of these symptoms may signal dehydration:

• Decreased urination (more than 6 hours)
• Extreme thirst
• Sunken eyes and/or crying without tears
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Lethargy (tiredness)
• Excessive sweating
• Low grade fever

Ages

All ages

Relief Remedies

Children get dehydrated quickly. So as soon as your child is sick (tummy or respiratory), start administering fluids and/or over-the-counter oral rehydration popsicles or solution, diluted fruit juice, or sports drinks.