What are the Symptoms of Dehydration in Children?

Children who are busy running around and playing, who have diarrhea or vomiting or who are exposed to extreme temperatures can easily get dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration in children may not become noticeable until the condition becomes serious, and if not promptly treated, dehydration can be life threatening. Look out for skin and neurological changes.

Thirst

Thirst is the most common and earliest symptom of dehydration in babies, children and adults. This may be extreme in cases of severe dehydration.

Dryness

Dryness of the mouth, a lack of tears in the eyes when crying or blinking and dryness in the nose are early symptoms of dehydration in children.

Lack of Urination

Mild dehydration in your child may cause less frequent urination. If the urine is dark yellow or orange colored, or your child stops urinating, these are symptoms of severe dehydration.

Skin Changes

If your child's skin becomes shriveled or does not bounce back or if your child is not sweating despite warm temperatures, these are serious symptoms of dehydration that require urgent medical treatment.

Mood Changes

Dehydration can cause sudden mood changes in children, such as irritability, fussiness and crying. If your child becomes confused or delirious, this is a medical emergency.

Weakness

Children may become weak, dizzy or faint from dehydration, due to a dangerous drop in blood pressure levels, which can be life threatening.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Dehydration

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