Dehydration In Babies: Signs, Causes & Treatments

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Dry tears, sunken eyes and parched lips can set off alarm bells for most parents. And for good reason. While many physical signs out of the ordinary can count towards first- or even second-time parent paranoia, some may warrant immediate and intensive medical intervention. Dehydration, for one. If you aren’t acquainted with the condition, take a moment to skim through its symptoms, causes and treatments, so you’re prepared if it ever strikes.

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Recognising Dehydration

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In a case of dehydration, your baby’s fluid reserve drops dangerously low. Dehydration may be caused by vomiting, fever, diarrhoea or sweating. It can vary in severity, from mild forms that can be controlled and corrected to more severe forms that present life-threatening symptoms. The key is in spotting symptoms early and taking a corrective course of action.

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Causes of Dehydration

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Dehydration is typically triggered by conditions that flush water and nutrients out of the body faster than they can be replenished. Because infants have much lower water reserves, they are at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated. Some factors that lead to dehydration include:

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• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Colds and flus
• Fever
• Sore throats
• Excessive sweating

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Symptoms of Dehydration

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Mild dehydration is associated with an array of signs, of which one or more may manifest in your baby:

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• Six hours or longer without a wet diaper
• Dark or strong-scented urine
• Cold hands and feet
• Excessive crankiness
• Sunken fontanelles (the soft spots on the head)

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More severe forms of dehydration may present the following signs:

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• Twelve hours or longer without a wet diaper
• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy
• Rapid heartbeat
• Tearless crying
• Dry mouth and lips
• Pale, inflexible skin
• One or more of the above in conjunction with fever, overheating or diarrhoea

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Managing Dehydration

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Spotting dehydration symptoms early can save your baby from critical danger. Here is a spotlight on managing the condition in your baby.

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• If you think you notice severe signs, visit the emergency room immediately; rehydration for your child may be administered in the form of intravenous liquids
• If you observe symptoms to be mild, visit your paediatrician for advice; she may decide an extra boost of fluids is all that’s required to do the trick
• If you have a baby below 3 months, you may be told to increase the frequency of your feeds to ensure optimal hydration
• If your child is older than 3 months, you may be prescribed a special supplement to rebuild your child’s water and electrolyte reserves

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When it comes to dehydration, it’s always wiser to err on the side of caution and watch for early signs. Safeguard your baby by staying on high alert, especially during the summer. It’s something you’ll thank yourself for later.

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Want to consult the Best Pediatricians in India? Please find the links below.

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1. ‍Best Pediatricians in Bangalore
2. Top Pediatricians in Chennai
3. Best Pediatric Doctor in Mumbai
4. Top Children’s Specialist near me in Pune
5. Best Child Specialist doctor in Chandigarh
6. Top Pediatrician near me in Gurgaon
7. Best Pediatrician doctors in Noida

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