By the time a child becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to vital organs. Shock, which is a life-threatening condition, can develop quickly.
A severely dehydrated child may not be able to cooperate or communicate.
Symptoms of severe dehydration in a young child may include:
- A lack of interest in playing.
- Extreme sleepiness. The child may be so sleepy that he or she is difficult to wake up.
- A dry mouth and tongue. Your child's tongue may look parched or cracked.
- A sunken soft spot (fontanel) on top of the head.
- Sunken eyes without tears.
- Fast breathing and rapid heartbeat.
- No urination for more than 12 hours.
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated: July 6, 2007 | |
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