This month at the Kid Clinic: Dehydration in children

Valerie Amstadt, PA-C
Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic

With summer upon us, it is very important to be sure your children are staying well hydrated. Dehydration is very common during summer months and can happen when a child loses more water from their body than they are drinking, most commonly due to sweating or illness.

Common symptoms of dehydration include:

• feeling thirsty
• urinating less often
• dry mouth or cracked lips
• no tears when a child is crying
• feeling dizzy or light headed
• feeling tired or confused
• headaches
• stomach aches
• nausea or vomiting
• weakness
• and muscle cramps.

To prevent dehydration, be sure your child is drinking plenty of water every day, especially if they are exercising, playing, or even swimming outside in the heat.

If you think your child may be dehydrated, be sure to give them extra fluids, have them come inside into air conditioning, and have your child take a cool bath. For babies and young children, you should give them an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte. For older children, water and popsicles are great for rehydration, and Gatorade or other sports drinks are a great source of electrolytes.

Call your primary care provider ifyou have any concerns about your child has diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, has vomiting lasting more than one day, can’t keep any fluids down, has vomit or diarrhea containing blood, or if your child is urinating much less than usual.

Also, friendly reminder that the CCMG Kid Clinic is open all summer, Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and their siblings over the age of 2. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic.

Stay hydrated and have a great summer!