Keep your family and loved ones hydrated this summer
One of the most important things to do is to keep the person cool.
With summer here, ER24 has warned people to be aware of dehydration and that the condition is not restricted to adults.
According to Faheem Essop, ER24’s co-ordinator: specialised medical services events, who has treated many patients for dehydration in the course of his work, babies, children and elderly people are also at risk of dehydration. When it comes to babies, Essop said that some of the causes of dehydration in newborns include problems with latching on, and difficulty swallowing and digesting milk.
“Clear indications are fewer wet diapers and tearless crying. Other signs include sunken eyes, crankiness and drowsiness,” said Essop. “This can usually be remedied by simply feeding your baby more often. However, it’s very important to check in with your healthcare provider to ensure their hydration levels quickly return to normal.”
In older children, Essop said that dehydration is usually caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, or both. It can also happen when children don’t want to drink because they have a sore throat. He said they may also get dehydrated in hot weather or when they are very active. “Children often won’t say they’re thirsty, or do not even know they’re becoming dehydrated. Look out for symptoms like dry skin, tongue and lips.”
ALSO READ: City of Mbombela warns residents of water shortages due to blackouts
He added that kids are naturally excitable, even more so during the holidays. This makes them distracted, especially when it comes to fundamental things like drinking fluids and staying hydrated. “The most important thing is to keep a young patient cool,” said Essop. He said that over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions restore the necessary electrolytes to the body, which is crucial to get it functioning again.
If none of these are available, Essop suggests a homemade solution that will do the same job: mixing half a teaspoon of salt, six level teaspoons of sugar and one litre of water. Pour into a glass or bottle for the child to drink. “If the patient is not urinating, is pale and thin, has sunken eyes, cold hands and feet, is drowsy or cranky and isn’t taking any fluids, take them to the closest emergency centre or call 084 124 for real help, real fast,” he said.
On the other hand, overhydration can also cause some problems. “Drinking too much water can decrease sodium in the blood to dangerously low levels. This upsets the body’s electrolyte balances.”
ALSO READ: 20 Tips for keeping children safe during the holidays
Essop said this is more common in active people, especially those who participate in endurance activities. One of the best ways to determine if you’re drinking enough water, is to monitor the colour of your urine. If it is clear and the urine is passed more often than usual, this suggests you are drinking too much water in a short timespan.
Fortunately, overhydration is rare. However, it is possible (though uncommon) for a child to overdo it when it comes to drinking fluids. This can lead to hyponatraemia, a serious imbalance of sodium in the system. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect your child has overhydrated to the point of hyponatraemia, seek medical attention immediately.
“Severe cases can cause seizures, coma and death,” said Essop.
