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DEHYDRATION

© Kathleen Newton

A few months ago, my toddler caught the dreaded Rotavirus. For those of you unfamiliar with the virus, it's a nasty illness characterized by seemingly incessant diarrhea and vomiting, along with a fever. Having a child with Rotavirus is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies, and to make my situation even worse, I had a 3-week-old newborn to deal with as well. At least the little one didn't catch the virus! The biggest concern with Rotavirus (aside from endless washing of clothes and cleaning of carpet) is dehydration. Any time you have a person with a condition that causes a large loss of body fluid, through diarrhea, vomiting, or even excessive exercise in hot weather, dehydration is possible, even probable, unless you know what to look for, and how to prevent and treat it.


A DEFINITION OF DEHYDRATION

Dehydration occurs when there is an inadequate amount of body fluid to maintain normal body functions. Water in the body contains substances vital to normal operation of the heart, brain, and kidneys. These substances, of which potassium and sodium (salt) are the most important, are lost whenever there's a loss of body fluid, such as through vomiting, diarrhea, and even excessive sweating.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION

Mild Dehydration

• Thirst. If you wait to drink something until you're thirsty, you're already a little bit dehydrated. This means most of us experience very mild dehydration on a regular basis.
• Dry lips.
• Your mouth may feel slightly dry.

Moderate Dehydration

• A very dry mouth.
• Eyes may look sunken.
• When you pinch your skin (such as the skin on the back of your hand), it doesn't immediately return to its normal position. This lack of elasticity is a good indicator of dehydration.
• In babies, the soft spots (fontanelles) on the infant's head may look sunken.

Severe Dehydration

• All of the above signs of moderate dehydration.
• Cold hands and feet.
• A bluish tinge around the mouth and lips.
• A weak, rapid pulse, even at rest.
• A rapid breathing rate.
• Confusion.
• Lethargy. The victim may be difficult to arouse.

FIRST AID FOR DEHYDRATION

• For mild dehydration, replacement of fluids should take care of the problem. A sports drink, such as Gatorade, is best, but plain water will do. Do not give the victim any alcohol, or drinks containing caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which means that they'll just cause more fluid loss. Children who are mildly dehydrated can be given a pediatric electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte. This replaces fluids and important minerals, without all the sugar found in sports drinks.

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