Severe dehydration in children
By the time a child becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to vital organs. Shock, which is a life-threatening condition, can develop quickly.
A severely dehydrated child may not be able to cooperate or communicate.
Symptoms of severe dehydration in a young child may include:
- A lack of interest in playing.
- Extreme sleepiness. The child may be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake up.
- A dry mouth and tongue. Your child's tongue may look parched or cracked.
- A sunken soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head.
- Sunken eyes without tears.
- Fast breathing and rapid heartbeat.
- No urination for more than 12 hours.
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | July 6, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 06, 2007
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