Summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration in children, especially during outdoor play, travel, or viral illness.
Common signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- Reduced urine output
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Sunken eyes in younger children
How parents can prevent dehydration:
- Encourage frequent water intake
- Give ORS during loose motions/vomiting
- Avoid excessive outdoor activity in afternoon heat
- Offer fruits and homemade fluids
- Continue breastfeeding in infants
Seek medical help immediately if:
- Child becomes very sleepy
- Unable to drink fluids
- Persistent vomiting occurs
- No urine for several hours
- Fast breathing or lethargy develops
Children can become dehydrated faster than adults, so early attention is important.