Paediatrics
Diarrhoea and dehydration in children: act early
Acute diarrhoea causes a loss of water and salts. In infants and young children, dehydration can set in faster than in adults. The immediate aim is to replace the losses while watching for signs of severity.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- Oral rehydration solution is central when the child is able to drink.
- Drowsiness, sunken eyes, little urine or being unable to drink are warning signs.
- Blood in the stools or a high fever requires a targeted assessment.
Which signs of dehydration should you look for?
Fewer wet nappies or less urine, a dry mouth, no tears, intense thirst, irritability and then drowsiness can be warning signs. The medical examination assesses severity on the basis of several signs. A recent weight, when known, can help. A child who is difficult to wake or unable to drink must be seen urgently.
When are tests needed?
Most episodes do not require a long series of tests. However, the doctor looks for a particular cause or complication in case of blood in the stools, a prolonged course, a high fever or a vulnerable child. Recent travel or an epidemic context sometimes changes which tests are useful.
Which treatments should be avoided or kept for specific cases?
Antibiotics are not indicated for all diarrhoea; their usefulness depends on the cause and the context. Medicines designed to slow down bowel movements in adults can be dangerous in children. Severe dehydration or inability to drink may require intravenous rehydration.
How can new episodes be prevented?
Access to safe water, hand hygiene, food safety and appropriate vaccinations reduce certain risks. After the episode, check that urine output, appetite and normal activity return.
Useful questions to ask
- Which specific signs of dehydration should be watched for at home?
- How much solution should be given according to age and losses?
- When should we come back without waiting?
Frequently asked questions
Should the child stop eating?
Generally not. Feeding and breastfeeding continue according to instructions and tolerance.
Is an antibiotic always necessary?
No. Rehydration is often the most important measure.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
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How should a child be rehydrated?
A correctly prepared oral rehydration solution provides water and salts in suitable proportions. It is given regularly, in small amounts if the child is vomiting. Breastfeeding and appropriate feeding continue according to tolerance. Fizzy drinks and very sugary drinks do not replace this solution.