Hi parents! In Dr. Venkatesh’s Child Care Clinic in Vizag we fully appreciate and acknowledge that it is super important to understand your child’s health. Among the most common topics includes fluid and electrolytes. But what does that mean? Ok, before we go any further let’s dissect it so that it can be easily grasped.
What are fluids and electrolytes?
Body fluids are the water like products in the body through which everything functions adequately. Electrolytes are small particles in these fluids that also involve critical tasks such as enabling muscle and proper functioning of hearts. Some of the most typical electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, as well as magnesium.
Why Are Fluids Important?
Children have a lot of water in their bodies, even when they are tiny. Notably, water content in the total body water of infants is higher than in adults, although it is decreasing with growth. This means they can lose as much water as well if they fall sick or rarely take fluids which is another danger of becoming dehydrated. Water is important for many reasons:
This helps in the distribution of nutrients to various body parts.
It warms or cools if needed depending on the body temperature of the environment.
It cleans and helps the organs to function well.
What electrolytes are and why should they be of interest to you?
Electrolytes are minerals that do a lot of work in the body, as you will learn if you read the next section. Here’s what the main ones do:
Sodium (Na): Involved in how much is allowed into the body and plays a role in proper functioning of the brain, nerves, and muscles.
Potassium (K): Supports the movement of muscles and ensures the continues beating of the heart with an appropriate rhythm.
Calcium (Ca): Needed for bone and teeth health and also plays a role in muscle contraction.
Magnesium (Mg): Relaxes muscles, assists in energy metabolism and supports many body functions.
Low or high levels of electrolyte …More serious conditions include tiredness, muscle cramps or Your child may experience either of the following if their electrolyte levels are not well balanced.
How do kids lose fluids and electrolytes?
You lose fluids and electrolytes in different fashions and kids are no exception. The most common reasons are:
Fever: Kids lose body fluids through sweating when they have a fever making it important to replace the lost water.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: Food borne illness or tummy flues can make the kids loose fluids and electrolytes in a very short time.
Sweating: Sometimes, children run or play outside then they are sweating and need to replenish lost fluids.
Not Drinking Enough: When kids fail to take adequate water, they become dehydrated.
Signs of Dehydration
You should be able to detect the early signs of dehydration so you can act in order to avoid it worsening. Look for these symptoms:
Dry mouth or lips
Dark yellow, crystal like urine or being less frequent in bathroom than usual.
Feeling tired or dizzy
Crying without tears
Sunken eyes or cheeks
But, if your child experiences any of the above signs, you should insist on the child taking water and having a rest. If they do not begin to feel better, or their symptoms are worsening, then it is time to come to Dr. Venkatesh’s Child Care Clinic.
How to Avoid More Fluid and Electrolyte Issues
Here are some simple tips to keep your child healthy and hydrated:
Make Drinking Water a Habit: Make your child to take water in between meals and before or after eating a meal as well. The best form to hydrate the body is through taking water.
Offer Balanced Meals: As your child grows, give him a balance diet that includes a number of fruits and vegetables which are sources of water and electrolytes.
Use Electrolyte Drinks When Needed: If your child is sick or has been playing sports for a long time, there is a special sport drink for the replacement of the lost minerals. However, do not offer these drinks frequently, water should still remain the healthiest option on the list.
What to Do When Kids Are Sick
Well, if your child has a fever or is vomiting or has diarrhoea, he or she I’s at high risk for having lost many fluids and electrolytes. Here’s how you can help:
Offer Small Sips: If your child becomes too uncomfortable to eat or drink a lot at a time then give them sips of water or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
Give Foods with Electrolytes: Potassium can be replaced with bananas, yogurt, and oranges while calcium with banana and yogurt.
Monitor Symptoms: Be on the lookout for possible symptoms of dehydration and would like to speak to Dr. Venkatesh or head to his clinic.
Why You Should Take Your Child to a Pediatrician
Call or get medical attention If the child is unwell or exhibits symptoms of dehydration; Dr. Venkatesh and his team can make an assessment of the child’s overall fluid and electrolyte balance. Occasionally, children may require more than water at home and can be require treatment in the clinic.
How to make Drinking Water Fun for Your Child
Add a Slice of Fruit: Juicing lemon or cucumber on water can become an interesting and delicious activity for the children.
Make Ice Pops: Freeze water with just a splash of fruit juice for a chilly, tasty snack that lasts all day.
Set a Timer: You can employ the use of a timer or an application to help you to remind your child to take his/her water break time, more so during summer days or at the time of play.
Conclusion
Knowledge about fluids and electrolytes is important to the wellbeing of one’s child. As you look for the symptom then go a head and follow other precautions to avoid complication as they occur. If there is anything that bothers you, then do contact Dr. Venkatesh’s Child Care Clinic in Vizag to get the right direction towards a healthy lifestyle.
Be safe, drink water, and understand that it’s okay to take things slowly.
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