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More than 10% dehydration in a child

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

If a child loses more than 10% body weight; the child is classified as having “severe dehydration”.

Two or more of the below signs are present:

  • general appearance - lethargic or unconscious
  • eyes – sunken
  • thirst – drinks poorly, or not able to drink
  • skin pinch - goes back very slowly (1).

Note:

  • being lethargic and sleepy are not the same. A lethargic child is not simply asleep: the child's mental state is dull and the child cannot be fully awakened; the child may appear to be drifting into unconsciousness
  • 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:

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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