Dehydration in children: Hydratis recommendations

Dehydration remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children of all ages. For their well-being and survival, toddlers need to receive good care from responsible adults, under favorable conditions. In some corners of the globe, this is a constant challenge.

Dehydration is the result of either insufficient fluid intake or fluid loss, or a combination of these two factors. The body then lacks water and electrolytes. Infants, for example, have greater basal fluid requirements, partly due to increased metabolism. Moreover, they cannot express their thirst or satisfy it themselves.

What are the causes of dehydration in a child?

The causes of a child's dehydration are diverse and can occur throughout the year, summer or winter.

• Diarrhea

If they are often viral, short-lived and benign, diarrhea can also cause serious complications, especially in infants, such as dehydration.

Acute diarrhea, that is to say liquid and continuous stools, will cause significant weight loss in the child. Lost water and mineral salts must be replaced urgently to avoid dehydration and possible hospitalization of the child.

• vomiting

They, too, are dangerous to the health of a child. In case of repeated vomiting, the fluid loss can be substantial and lead to dehydration which will imperatively require a supply of mineral salts, vitamins and nutrients.

• child's fever

In a baby or young child, fever is often a source of concern. An infection has probably set in and the fever is fighting it. If your child's temperature is over 39°C and it lasts for more than two days, he is likely to eat and drink less and sweat a lot. The risk of dehydration can then become worrying.

• infant gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis combines the symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and it must be taken very seriously, especially in a very young child, whose body is made up of two thirds of water. The loss of body water is further accentuated and dehydration is a real danger for the child.

• The heat

During strong summer heat, prolonged exposure to the sun, spending too long in a poorly ventilated room and low water consumption can lead to dehydration in children: they sweat and lose fluid. It must also be rehydrated without delay.

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration in children?

• your child's general appearance: is he thirsty? is he restless? or more lethargic, even drowsy? These are signs that should worry

• the appearance of his eyes: are they as usual or on the contrary slightly sunken, or even very sunken? (as if they were going into orbits)

• The appearance of his oral mucous membranes, that is to say the tongue, the lips, the inner face of the cheeks: are they wet, sticky, even dry?

• The appearance of his lachrymal secretions (the tears, the film that protects his eyes): is there a rather dry appearance?

Of course the weight matters a lot, if you can have it assessed. It is then important to compare it to a measurement made recently, to appreciate the weight loss. The first signs of dehydration (mild) may appear for a loss of 3% of its weight. Severe dehydration, it will be a weight loss greater than 5% of its weight. And if it is more than 10%, there is great danger for his vital organs (kidney, brain, cardiovascular system). Weight loss can happen very quickly in a few hours, be careful.

Does your child have these symptoms? Hydratis is here!

If these signs appear in your child, it is important to apply certain actions as soon as possible. First, give him a Hydratis tablet to drink.

Composed of mineral salts and trace elements, our lozenges optimize and accelerate body hydration and support your child's metabolism, they will bring back the lost mineral salts and will also rebalance the pH of their body. The fruity tastes of these facilitate its consumption with the child. (As a reminder Hydratis is recommended for children from 3 years and over)

Conclusion: How to prevent dehydration?

The best way to prevent dehydration is to eliminate its causes. Here are some tips in this regard.

• Make sure your toddler drinks enough (water or milk, depending on age and needs) and eats well. Do not hesitate to give a hydratis which will act as an ORS.

• Focus on infection prevention, including frequent hand washing.

• Avoid exposing your child to excessive heat or direct sunlight. Babies under 6 months should never be exposed to it.

• If your child vomits or has diarrhea, seek prompt medical attention. If you have reason to believe that your child is at risk of dehydration, do not delay in initiating rehydration measures.