The ability to retain the right amount of water is very important to human life. If as adults we acknowledge the importance of water, it is therefore imperative to make sure that children are not denied the right amount of water in their bodies. When children’s bodies lack enough fluid, dehydration will set in. This can lead to some other health complications. Dehydration may occur as a result of diarrhea, vomiting, not having enough water to drink or a combination of these conditions. Unless there are some underlying health reasons, sweating or urinating does not lead to dehydration. Children in comparison to adults are more vulnerable to becoming dehydrated as they are more prone to fluid loss than adults.

There are different ways dehydration may occur in children and it is good to have a good knowledge about all these so as to know what to avoid.

Viral Infection
In adults as well as children, viral infections may lead to dehydration. These viral infections are usually the types that cause such ailments as diarrhea, vomiting, fever as well as decreased desire or ability to drink or eat. Some of the common viral infections that can cause diarrhea or vomiting include adenovirus, rotavirus and Norwalk virus. Often times sores which are caused by virus appear in children’s mouth. This can be very painful and can even discourage proper eating and drinking habit which may lead to dehydration.

Bacteria Infection
Some harmful bacterial infection can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This will also eventually make children that are affected to lose interest in eating and drinking. The resultant effect of this is dehydration and obvious loss in weight. Some of the common bacteria that are included in the group that causes this are Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile.

Parasitic Infection
There are several types of parasitic infections that little children are prone to. Notable ones that can cause disinterest in eating and drinking include Giardia lambia which is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis. With the outset of this condition in children, there will be diarrhea as well as fluid loss.

Other Factors
There are some other factors which may not necessarily be an infection that can cause dehydration in children. For example, when there is increased sweating in a hot environment, this could lead to dehydration. When diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus is poorly treated, excessive urination can as well lead to dehydration although these are some major health conditions which affect adults more than children. Celiac sprue or cystic fibrosis which is a condition that does not allow food to get absorbed can also lead to dehydration.

Some of the Symptoms That Are Observed During Dehydration in Children
It is your responsibility as a parent or a guardian to take necessary actions when your children or wards have suffered excessive loss of fluids through diarrhea or vomiting. There are some signs that are easily observed during this condition which will tell you of the state of health of your children. When such signs are observed, there are simple steps that may be taken and if you are unsure of what to do then you should contact your doctor. These signs include the following; decreased frequency of urination or observation of dry diapers at most times of the day, sunken eyes, absence of tears when the child cries, observed irritability in the child, lethargy and dryness or stickiness of the mucous membranes.

How to Prevent Dehydration in Children
You may discover that it is usually a difficult task for you to prevent your child from contracting viral infections that lead to dehydrations. However if you can spot the signs early enough, you will be able to place your child on a good fluid replacement therapy as soon as possible.

The frequency of vomiting that your child shows should get you informed of the approach you should use. You should place your child on a fluid replacement treatment if he has been observed to be suffering from diarrhea or vomiting up to four or five times in a day.

If there is not much improvement observed after your rehydration approach, you should contact your doctor who will be able to offer detailed treatment approach for your child’s ailment.