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Dehydration and Kids: A Fluid Situation |
SourceTexas Children's Hospital ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesBeverages Play Important Role in Child NutritionSummer Is Here: Here's Some Timely Tips To Beat This Week's Heat Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
HOUSTON, June 24, 1998 -- Nearly 60 percent of the human body is made of water. When the body loses too much of this simple solution, dehydration occurs within hours, especially on a scorching day. Severe dehydration can lead to heat illness, heat stroke and even death. With record high temperatures predicted for much of the country this summer, it's best to think about the dangers of dehydration to active children before it happens. "Most kids need about twice as much fluid as they drink," warns Dr. Albert C. Hergenroeder, chief of adolescent and sports medicine, Texas Children's Hospital. "Be sure to increase your child's fluid intake if he or she is going to be outside and make sure they aren't outside too long. Kids need to cool off occasionally." Cold water is the drink of choice when kids are active in the heat. When kids are active outdoors for more than two hours, sports drinks can be used but are not necessary. Dr. Hergenroeder recommends the following guidelines for fluid intake on a hot day:
If you are with a child or teen who suddenly becomes dizzy, nauseated or weak and feels cool and clammy to the touch, get him or her indoors or in the shade. Replace lost fluids with cool water. If someone shows signs of dry, red skin, fast pulse or looks confused or delirious, that person is in extreme medical danger and should see a physician immediately. For more information on the Texas Children's Hospital Sports Medicine Clinic, call 713-770-3660. Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, the largest children's hospital in the United States, is a 456-licensed bed, full-care pediatric facility that has cared for more than one million children since opening in 1954. Nearly 80 percent of all Texas pediatricians trained at Texas Children's Hospital, the primary pediatric teaching and research hospital for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top 20 of the 126 U.S. medical schools in research funding. Within its spectrum of more than 40 pediatric specialties and subspecialties, Texas Children's is known worldwide for developing breakthrough treatments in all areas of children's health care, including cancer, cardiology, neonatology, asthma and diabetes. More than 3,300 physicians, medical and professional personnel care for patients and their families at Texas Children's Hospital, located in the heart of Houston's world-renowned Texas Medical Center. CONTACT: Heather Robertson of Texas Children's Hospital, 713-770-2180 |
