Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > D > Dehydration

Dehydration   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Treatment

Drinking fluids is often sufficient for mild dehydration. It is better to encourage frequent, small amounts of fluid (using a teaspoon or syringe) rather than forcing a child to drink a large amount of fluid at one time.  

Intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary for moderate to severe dehydration. The health care provider must also determine and, if possible, treat the cause of the dehydration. 

The great majority of cases of acute gastroenteritis are caused by viruses. They tend to be self-limited, resolving on their own after a few days.

Prognosis

When dehydration is recognized and treated promptly, the outcome is generally good.

Complications

Untreated severe dehydration may result in seizures, permanent brain damage, or death.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if you suspect dehydration. Remember that a child can quickly become severely dehydrated.

Ency. home > Disease > D > Dehydration

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