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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreDehydration happens when the body loses too much water. It can occur when a person does not take in enough liquids or when a person loses too much fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, urine (pee), sweat, or fever.
Dehydration is a common side effect of some illnesses and treatments such as chemotherapy.
The body’s cells need water to function well. Water helps the body:
Babies and young children are at higher risk for dehydration than adults.
Babies and young children have a higher risk of dehydration than adults. This is because they lose water more quickly than adults.
If not treated, dehydration can lead to severe problems, such as seizures, brain swelling, and kidney failure. Children with medical conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease are at high risk for complications due to dehydration.
You can often treat dehydration at home. But your child may have to go to the hospital in some cases.
About 80% of a baby's body is made up of water. That amount drops with age.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
If your child has dehydration symptoms, contact your care team right away to prevent serious complications.
Care providers diagnose dehydration through:
The best way to manage dehydration is to prevent it. This lowers your child’s risks for complications. It also reduces the chances of missing or delaying medical procedures and treatments.
Water is best. Ask your care team how much water or fluids your child needs. Your health care provider may also recommend an electrolyte liquid replacement such as Pedialyte® or Enfalyte®.
Your child can also suck on ice chips or popsicles if they have trouble drinking.
If your child does not like to drink water, choose drinks with low sugar and low or no caffeine.
For infants, continue to breastfeed or give infant formula as usual. Follow your health care provider’s directions for feeding.
Talk with your care team about ways to prevent or reduce vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Your child might also have side effects such as mouth or throat sores that make it hard to eat and drink. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines or other treatments.
You can often treat dehydration at home. Follow your care team’s instructions. Ways to treat dehydration may include:
Hospital care may include:
Once your child is dehydrated, they may need IV fluids to feel better.
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The Together by St. Jude™ online resource does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this article.
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Reviewed: January 2024
