Children and teenagers can lose fluids when sick, spending time in Houston’s heat, or doing strenuous sports. Dehydration in children can develop after vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heavy sweating, or simply not drinking enough fluids. For parents, knowing the signs of dehydration can encourage fluids and know when to seek medical attention.
For families looking for pediatric urgent care Houston services, Apex Urgent Care provides prompt evaluation for appropriate non-life-threatening illnesses and dehydration concerns.
What Can Cause Dehydration in Children and Teens?
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Common causes include vomiting and diarrhea, fever, reduced fluid intake, prolonged outdoor activity, and strenuous exercise.
Teenagers involved in sports can be vulnerable during intense practices or games in hot weather. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that teens may experience thirst, dry mouth, lightheadedness, cramps, headache, darker or less frequent urine, and a rapid pulse when dehydrated.
Parents should pay attention when a child suddenly drinks very little water or is losing fluids through illness.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
Symptoms vary depending on age and how much fluid has been lost.
- Dry lips, mouth, or tongue
- Less frequent urination or darker urine
- Fewer tears when crying
- Unusual tiredness, weakness, or irritability
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sunken eyes
- Headache
- In more serious cases, excessive sleepiness
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends contacting a healthcare professional when children show signs of dehydration.
When Can Hydration Be Managed at Home?
For mild cases, start with oral hydration, which may include water, breast milk or formula for infants, or oral rehydration solution. Oral rehydration solutions replace fluids and electrolytes lost during vomiting or diarrhea.
Start by giving small, frequent amounts of fluid rather than large amounts at once.
When is IV Hydration Needed?
IV hydration therapy is considered by a healthcare professional when dehydration is significant or when a child cannot adequately take fluids by mouth. Severe dehydration requires medical treatment with IV fluids in a hospital setting.
At Apex Urgent Care, a healthcare professional can assess the child’s symptoms and hydration status and determine whether oral fluids, IV fluids, additional testing, referral, or emergency care is appropriate.
Apex’s Houston healthcare team, led by Dr. David Adewole, MD, MBA, FAAFP, provides patient-centered urgent and primary care.
After IV Hydration: What Should You Do?
After treatment, follow the healthcare team’s instructions. Encourage appropriate oral fluids and normal nutrition, and allow the child to rest if they are recovering from heat-related fluid loss.
Parents should continue watching for worsening symptoms. If symptoms return or worsen, contact the child’s healthcare provider promptly.
If a child becomes unresponsive, has severe difficulty breathing, or appears to have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Caring for Your Child’s Hydration Starts with Knowing the Signs
Most children do not need IV hydration to stay hydrated. Regular access to fluids, appropriate nutrition, and good hydration habits are the foundation of healthy hydration.
At Apex Urgent Care, our Houston doctors evaluate dehydration and determine the treatment for your child or teenager. Apex provides urgent care services across Katy, Richmond, Cypress/Cy-Fair, and the Energy Corridor.
Is your child or teenager showing signs of dehydration? Schedule an evaluation with Apex Urgent Care Clinic. Our healthcare team determines treatment based on your child’s individual needs.