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| Dehydration |
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| What is meant by
dehydration? |
| Dehydration it
is a condition in which the body contains an
insufficient volume of water for normal
functioning. |
| What are the causes of
dehydration in children? |
Dehydration is most often
caused by:
►Viral infection: that causes
fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and a decreased
ability to drink or eat e.g. rotavirus,
Norwalk virus, and adenovirus.
Sometimes sores in a child's mouth (caused
by a virus) make it painful to eat or drink,
which helps to cause or worsen dehydration.
►More serious bacterial infections: may make a
child less likely to eat and may cause
vomiting and diarrhea.
Common bacterial infections include
Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter,
and Clostridium difficile.
►Parasitic infections:
such as Giardia lamblia
cause the condition known as giardiasis ,
which can lead to diarrhea and fluid loss.
►Increased sweating from a very hot
environment can cause dehydration.
►Excessive urination caused by unrecognized
or poorly treated diabetes mellitus (not
taking insulin) or diabetes insipid us are
other causes.
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| What are the symptoms
of dehydration? |
Symptoms of dehydration:
►Sunken eyes & Sunken soft spot on the front
of the head in babies
►Decreased frequency of urination or dry
diapers & No tears when the child cries
►Dry or sticky mouth or tongue Lethargy (less
than normal activity)
►Irritability (more crying, fussiness with
inconsolability) |
| How to treat
dehydration? |
►The main target is fluid replacement by
giving child plenty of fluid
►Suitable fluid replacement for children
younger than two years is done by product
designed to replace fluids, sugar, and
electrolytes (dissolved minerals such as
sodium, potassium, and chloride). (Example:
Hydro safe
sachets)
►Children older than two years may be given
flat soda or soup.
when child is vomiting it may seem that your
child is vomiting all that is given, usually
an adequate amount of fluid is kept down.
►After 4 hours from vomiting: bananas, rice,
apples, toast, and other simple starches,
such as noodles or potatoes) may be started
in children who are weaned from formula or
breast milk. after one to two days start by
normal food gradually .
►For breast feeding start by 1/2 the amount
of milk.
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Refrence:emedicinehealth |
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