Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance in Children
- Make sure children get plenty of fluids on hot days.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
Sodium, potassium and calcium are major electrolytes in both children and adults. Levels of one or more electrolytes can swing out of balance and cause illness. - Start hydrating your child before they feel thirsty.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of thebittenword.com
When water is excreted from the body, electrolytes are flushed out, too. This can happen through excessive sweating, certain medications, or sickness that causes fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Oral rehydration with a balanced electrolyte solution can treat early stages of dehydration---check with your doctor if you suspect your child is dehydrated. - Illness or excessive sweating should alert you to look for dry mouth, no tears when crying, or dry and cool skin. Other signs include slowness or irritability, or fatigue or dizziness in older children. Don't wait until a child feels thirsty to start rehydrating. Use popsicles, juice, water or commercial electrolyte solutions as early as possible.
- Retention of water causes electrolytes to build up beyond normal levels. This is more common in older people due to kidney failure. Some children drink pool water when they swim, but they would have to ingest several gallons to exhibit overhydration symptoms.
- Check for swelling in the lower legs and excess fluid in the chest and abdomen---physical signs of overhydration. Since this can signal kidney, heart or liver problems, always have suspected overhydration checked by your doctor as quickly as possible. Treatments include decreased fluid intake and increased sodium intake. In some cases, diuretics may be prescribed.
