Dehydration isn’t necessarily something we think about until it becomes a problem. However, as a mom, we have more to think about than just ourselves. Our kids often run around in the sun oblivious to the risk of overheating and possibly losing too much water through perspiration.
Here are 4 things to watch for with hydration issues.
Perspiring Excessively
When it comes to the different stages of dehydration, one of the earliest signs other than just feeling too hot is perspiring a lot. While sweating in itself is the body’s way to cool down and is a positive thing, it can also be a good indicator in hot weather (or a poorly ventilated room) that someone’s body is overheating. If that goes on too long, dehydration can set in.
When around your kids on a hot day, pay attention to times when they’re perspiring more than usual. You shouldn’t make a fuss about it and make them feel self-conscious though; get them in the shade to cool down and encourage them to take a rest. Bring a water bottle, so they can replace the water they’ve lost.
Nausea
Nausea is a frequent sign of dehydration. The difficulty with it is that it can also be indicated by other health issues. For example, a fever, the flu, or an ear infection may be the underlying cause. As a mom, it’s important to consider the circumstances at this time. Think about the steps leading up to your child feeling nauseous – have they been sick in the last few days, have they been out in the sun for an hour or more, or is there another likely cause?
Throwing Up
Vomiting is another dehydration sign, but again it’s also common to several other medical issues. If you’re out and about, it could be motion sickness. But if you’ve forgotten to pack drinks or remind the kids to stop for a refreshment break, it may point to dehydration, so be on the lookout.
How to Respond to Nausea and Other Symptoms
It doesn’t require a significant percentage of water loss in the body for dehydration to set in; it can catch you unawares and events unfold quickly when it does.
Should nausea or one of the other symptoms appear, rehydrate your child by getting them to drink still water. Ideally, it should be closer to room temperature and not chilled (the body must heat up chilled water to use it around the body which slows down the rehydration process).
In case it’s just an unsettled stomach, consider eating a snack like plain crackers to settle the stomach. This often does the trick. However, with serious dehydration issues where there’s a major imbalance and the body has too little water and nutrients, then medical help is needed. At that time, it’s useful to visit an urgent care facility where your child can be attended to within minutes. Water is essential for survival, so don’t doubt a decision to seek assistance with dehydration issues.
