Dehydration can occur when the body loses too much water.
Symptoms of severe dehydration
- A lack of interest in playing and extreme
sleepiness. (The child may be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake
up.)
- A dry mouth and tongue
- A sunken soft spot
(fontanel) on top of the head
- Sunken eyes without
tears
- Fast breathing and rapid heartbeat
- No urination
(a dry diaper) for more than 12 hours
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
Symptoms of moderate dehydration
- A decreased interest in play
- A
sunken soft spot (fontanel) in the head
- Sunken eyes with few
tears
- A dry mouth, with little or no saliva
- Extreme
hunger or thirst
- No urination for 8 hours or fewer than 3
urinations (fewer than 3 wet diapers) in 24 hours
Symptoms of mild dehydration
- Irritability, agitation, fussiness, or
restlessness
- Hungry or thirsty most of the time
- Less
frequent urinations than usual or needs fewer diaper changes. The child's urine
will have a stronger odor and be darker yellow than normal.
