Pediatric dehydration treatment at Prestige ER

When your child is sick and becoming dehydrated, knowing what to do and where to take them for help is essential.

At Prestige Emergency Room, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge you need to prevent and manage dehydration, and we’re ready to see you immediately with little to no wait times.

Our caring, experienced team of providers is here when you need us, ready to diagnose and treat dehydration in infants and children of all ages without the delays you’d face at a traditional hospital ER.

What is pediatric dehydration?

Dehydration in a child can have several causes and simply refers to a loss of essential water in the body.

It is vital to catch pediatric dehydration early, as it can lead to serious consequences.

Fortunately, there are common symptoms you can watch for. When you bring your child to Prestige ER, you’ll receive immediate attention with dramatically shorter wait times than hospital emergency rooms.

Symptoms of dehydration in children

Pediatric dehydration symptoms include:

Thirst
Dry skin
Fatigue
A fever
Decreased urination

When to take children to Prestige ER for dehydration

Infants are especially prone to ill effects from dehydration. The risks of dehydration in a baby can include electrolyte imbalances, seizures, coma, shock, organ failure, or even death.

You should take a baby to the emergency room for dehydration treatment if:

You notice signs and symptoms of dehydration
Your baby’s temperature is over 102°F, or they have an ongoing fever at any level
Your baby’s fontanel (the soft spot on their head) is sunken
Your baby is having ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
Your baby is crying without tears
Your baby has a dry mouth
Your baby’s diapers haven’t been wet for over three hours
Your baby is lethargic, sleepy, or less responsive

You should take an older child to the ER for dehydration if:

You notice deep, rapid breathing
Their eyes are sunken
They have very dark urine or minimal urine
Their tongue and lips are dry
They are lethargic or confused

If you are wondering whether your child’s dehydration merits an ER visit, don’t hesitate to visit us.

At Prestige ER, there are little to no wait times. Our providers can assess your child immediately and start appropriate treatment to relieve dehydration and prevent it from worsening.

Causes of pediatric dehydration

Common causes of dehydration in infants and children include:

Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea from the stomach bug (like rotavirus), food poisoning, or another cause
Persistent fever
Hot weather
Sweating from exercise

Pediatric dehydration treatment in the ER

Dehydration in infants and children is serious. They often cannot express that they are dehydrated, and their body fluids can quickly become depleted.

Do not hesitate to take your child to the emergency room if you think they are becoming dehydrated or if you are noticing the symptoms of dehydration.

At Prestige ER, you’ll be seen right away with minimal wait times.

In the ER, your child’s provider will discuss your child’s health history, allergies, medications, and symptoms. Your child’s provider may order blood tests to help diagnose the underlying problem and choose the best treatment. If they are dehydrated, your child may need IV therapy to restore essential body fluids and correct dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

These services and many more are available onsite at Prestige Emergency Room. Our experienced providers can provide comprehensive care for pediatric dehydration and many other pediatric emergencies, all without the frustrating wait times you’d experience at a traditional hospital ER.

Prevention and tips to avoid dehydration in children

Encouraging fluid intake is key to preventing dehydration in children. If they are sick, running a fever, or experiencing ongoing vomiting and diarrhea, ensure your child drinks as much liquid as possible.

Water can help, but electrolyte-containing fluids are essential, as electrolytes can be lost quickly with ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.

Pedialyte, Gatorade, broth, Jell-O, diluted juice, or popsicles can all be helpful. Be careful with sugary liquids, as they can worsen diarrhea. Avoid caffeinated drinks.

For infants, breast milk and formula contain both water and electrolytes. If your baby is not drinking these, try giving them an oral rehydration solution, which is available at a pharmacy.

For children and infants, don’t hesitate to visit Prestige ER for ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration, especially if you can be seen immediately at Prestige ER.

Get immediate pediatric dehydration treatment at Prestige ER

Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should your child.

You can rest assured that our experienced providers can provide fast, compassionate care for dehydration emergencies in children of all ages.

We’re open 24/7 every day of the year and ready to provide prompt emergency care services for children and adults when every minute matters.

Visit any of our San Antonio locations for expert pediatric dehydration treatment and many other emergency services.

Frequently asked questions

What will the ER do for dehydration in children?

At Prestige ER, our team will assess your child’s symptoms, run blood tests to check electrolyte levels, and administer IV fluids to restore body fluids and correct any dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

Is urgent care or ER better for pediatric dehydration?

The ER is the right choice for pediatric dehydration because infants and children can deteriorate quickly. At Prestige ER, you receive immediate treatment with minimal wait times, unlike traditional hospital ERs.

When does dehydration require emergency treatment?

Emergency treatment is warranted when infants show sunken fontanels, cry without tears, go three hours without wet diapers, or when older children have sunken eyes, very dark urine, or appear lethargic or confused.

How can I prevent dehydration in my sick child?

Give your child fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, broth, or diluted juice, throughout their illness.

For infants, continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, or offer an oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy.