What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a loss of both water and salt from the body. The usual cause is a lot of vomiting and diarrhea.

If fluid losses are not replaced, the body starts to dry out or become dehydrated. Those most susceptible to dehydration are babies under 1 year of age and anyone with a fever. There is no one way to assess dehydration.

Early signs of dehydration include dryness of the mouth and thirst. As dehydration increases, symptoms can include irritability, lethargy, decreased urine output, few or no tears when crying vigorously, and dry sticky saliva.

How do you Avoid Dehydration?

The best treatment for dehydration is oral re-hydration therapy (ORT). When successful, it can prevent trips to the emergency room and the need for intravenous fluids.

ORT (Oral Re-hydration Therapy) does NOT stop vomiting or diarrhea, but helps prevent dehydration.

Good Examples
of Dehydration Therapies

Over-the-counter
Oral Re-hydration Therapy

Pedialyte
Rehydralyte
Ricelyte
Resol
Gerber or Kaolectrolyte Powders

Poor Examples
of Dehydration Therapies

Not adequate for Re-hydration

Sodas (Fizzy or Flat)
Sports Drinks
Fruit Juices



Fact: Re-hydration solutions contain just the right amount of salts and sugars to help avoid dehydration ORT comes in a variety of commercial brands, kid-pleasing flavors, and serving sizes. Different from other beverages, ORT contains the electrolytes kids need to re-hydrate quickly.
 
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