Child Water-shift Ailment Identification and Treatment: Recognizing Symptoms and Steps to Take
In hot weather, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for infants and children. These vulnerable individuals are more susceptible to overheating and dehydration, which can quickly escalate into serious health issues.
Water loss occurs through breathing, sweat, the gastrointestinal tract, but the main pathway is through the kidneys. Infants do not sweat effectively to cool themselves, and young children have higher fluid needs due to increased water loss from sweating and activity in the heat.
Adequate hydration is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps prevent dehydration, a condition that can be identified by signs such as dry mouth, reduced urination, sunken eyes, and irritability. In children, dehydration may present as pronounced thirst, increased heart rate, swelling of the tongue, infrequent urination, and rapid fatigue. In most cases, these symptoms are caused by disruption of the drinking regimen, not a kidney disease.
Secondly, proper hydration supports the body's cooling mechanisms. Infants and children cannot effectively cool themselves by sweating as adults do.
Thirdly, it reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can manifest as lethargy, confusion, vomiting, or dangerously high body temperature.
For babies under six months, exclusive breast milk or formula provides sufficient hydration and nutrients. After six months, offering water supplements hydration safely as babies begin solid foods, but it should be given cautiously to avoid conditions like water intoxication due to immature kidneys.
To maintain hydration and safety during hot weather, it's advisable to schedule outdoor activity during cooler hours, provide frequent water breaks, dress children in light clothes, and never leave them unattended in hot environments such as vehicles.
Dr. Saule Duisenbaeva, the head of the nephrology department of Almaty Children's Clinical Hospital No.2, emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hydration and preventing dehydration, especially in hot weather. To maintain normal water balance, the body must receive sufficient fluid intake through drinking and food.
In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous infusion therapy may be necessary. Prolonged dehydration, especially due to vomiting, diarrhea, or heat, can become life-threatening, particularly in acute intestinal infections or congenital gastrointestinal tract pathologies like pyloric stenosis.
It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if signs of dehydration appear. Most parents who come to the emergency department with "kidney symptoms" in their children report either withholding water or providing insufficient amounts. Contrary to this, parents are often advised not to give infants water in the first months of life.
Water is essential for the body as it participates in metabolic reactions, thermoregulation, and the work of all organs and systems. Maintaining proper hydration in infants and children during hot weather is not just about preventing dehydration and heat-related illnesses, but also about supporting their healthy growth and development.
[1] Healthline [2] KidsHealth [3] Mayo Clinic [4] American Academy of Pediatrics [5] National Health Service
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