Aromachildhood

Dehydration

The body is made up of 80% waree, which helps to move vital nutrients around the body. When the body is starved of water we quickly deteriorate. When a child vomits, has diarrhea, or a fever, precious fluids are being lost and dehydration can result.

The most obvious reason a child becomes dehydrated is that they have not been drinking enough. Pure water is by far the best liquid for children, and they do like it, if offered Pure fruit juice is sugar laden, but can be diluted with water.

Other drinks contain artifical sweetners, caffine, and chemicals for colour, preservative and flavor that aren't exactly known for doing the body any good.

Dehydration is serious ! Any child with vomiting and diarrhea should be given immediate medical help, both to help rid the body of whatever infection is causing the symptoms, and to get the right levels of fluid back into the body.

Signs and Symptoms

Dry lips and Mouth

Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 5 hours

Drowsiness; sleepiness

The urine may be dark and smelly - when it becomes clearer, that's a good sign.

If your child gets dehydrated for whatever reason, give them frequent sips of water, even if it passes straight through them, if no water is available, give them wahtever fluid you have.
If you are taking your child camping or hiking, or for some other reason away from a city with medical facilities, make sure you carry the crucial ingredients of a dehydration fluid, just in case the child gets sick while away. Don't even think about cutting out the sugar or glucose - that's needed wto help with the absorption of salt.

Dehydration Drink

Sip one glass at a time1 pint water

1/2 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons glucose powder (or 6 teaspoons sugar)

Stir until dissolved . Add a little fruit juice if the child refuses to drink the dehydration mix on its own.

Other Care

Make your child sip drinks as drinking too quickly may cause your child's stomach to reject the liquid. " Little and often" is the rule for dehydration: Don't allow your child to get overheated.

When to get Help

As soon as you can.

Reference: Aromatherapy for the healthy child? valerie Ann Worwood