5-10% dehydration in a child

5-10% dehydration in a child

5-10% dehydration, ie a loss of between 5- 10% of body weight; the child is classified as having 'some dehydration'

Two or more of the below signs are present:

• general appearance - restless, irritable
• eyes - sunken
• thirst - thirsty, drinks eagerly
• skin pinch - goes back slowly (1)

Note:

• in some infants and children the eyes normally appear somewhat sunken. It is helpful to ask the mother if the child's eyes are normal or more sunken than usual
• the skin pinch is less useful in infants or children with marasmus or kwashiorkor, or obese children (1)

Reference:

• (1) World Health Organization (WHO) 2005. The treatment of diarrhoea. A manual for physicians and other senior health workers