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May 18, 2013
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Dehydration in Children (cont.)

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When to Call a Doctor

Infants and small children can become dehydrated quickly.

Contact your doctor if your child has any of the following:

  • Dry mouth
  • Crying without tears
  • No urine output for over a period of four to six hours
  • Sunken eyes
  • Blood in the stool
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting for more than 24 hours, or vomiting that is consistently green in color
  • Fever higher than 103 F (39.4 C)
  • Less activity than usual
  • Urination much more than usual

Go to a hospital's Emergency Department in these situations:

  • If your child is lethargic (difficult to awaken)
  • If you cannot reach your doctor
  • If your child is complaining of severe abdominal pain
  • If your child's mouth looks dry

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Dehydration in Children - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What were the symptoms of your child(s) dehydration?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Dehydration »

Dehydration describes a state of negative fluid balance that may be caused by numerous disease entities.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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