Many children don’t think about drinking fluids on a regular basis. By the time they’re moderately or severely dehydrated, it’s hard to drink enough to catch up before the lack of water takes a serious toll on their bodies. That’s when you need IV hydration from Brittany Glenn, DO, and the team at Cali Kids Urgent Care in Laguna Niguel, California. If you’re concerned that your child needs prompt IV hydration, go to the walk-in clinic. You can also call to schedule an appointment or use the online booking feature.
IV hydration is a treatment that rapidly rehydrates children by delivering fluids directly into their bloodstream. Cali Kids Urgent Care uses a small needle inserted into a vein in their arm. Your child’s IV hydration may also include electrolytes, vitamins, and in some cases, medication, depending on their needs.
Dehydration occurs when your child’s body loses too much water, a condition that can quickly turn dangerous for young children. Their bodies need water for every vital function, from blood volume, body temperature, and urination, to keeping their muscles, nerves, and brains functioning.
The most common causes of dehydration in children are vomiting and diarrhea. Both conditions eliminate a lot of fluids in a short amount of time. Children can also get dehydrated if they don’t drink enough or through excessive sweating, such as when playing outside on a hot day.
Children with mild dehydration have a dry mouth and lips. They might also feel thirsty but may not express it.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
In the early stages of mild dehydration, your child can rehydrate by taking small, frequent sips of water, a rehydrating fluid containing electrolytes, or breast milk if you’re still breastfeeding.
The last five symptoms on this list are signs of moderate to severe dehydration. At this stage, your child needs IV hydration to restore their fluids before serious complications develop. In severe cases, children can have seizures, enter a coma, suffer brain damage, and die.
IV hydration offers two essential benefits for dehydrated children. For starters, sending liquids directly into their bloodstream is the fastest and most efficient way to get water to tissues throughout their body.
A second benefit is that the experienced team at Cali Kids Urgent Care can give your child fluids containing the concentration of electrolytes that’s best for their age and the cause of their dehydration.
As water leaves the body, it carries away vital electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Your child needs a precise amount of sodium and potassium to keep nerves and muscles working. As your child rehydrates, they also need to replenish electrolytes to maintain a healthy balance.
If you suspect your child is dehydrated, head to Cali Kids Urgent Care. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.
