DRINKING FLUIDS, DECREASED

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR DECREASED FLUID INTAKE

1. Increase Fluid Intake:  Give your child unlimited amounts of her favorite liquid (e.g., chocolate milk, fruit drinks, Kool-Aid, soft drinks, water).  The type doesn't matter, as it does with diarrhea or vomiting.
2. Solid Foods:  Don't worry about solid food intake.  It's normal for the appetite to fall off during illness.  Preventing dehydration is the only important issue.
3. For Sore Mouth:  If the mouth is sore, give cold drinks. Avoid citrus juices. For infants, offer fluids in a cup spoon or syringe rather than a bottle (reason: The nipple may increase pain).  Older child can use 1 teaspoon of a liquid antacid as a mouthwash 4 times per day after meals.  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief.
4. For a Blocked Nose:  Suction it out using warm water or saline nosedrops in infants and toddlers. Make saline nosedrops by adding ½ teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Difficulty swallowing becomes worse.
   • Signs of dehydration.
   • Poor drinking present for more than 3 days.
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

• Colds
• Mouth Ulcers (Canker Sores)
• Sore Throat
• Breastfeeding Questions
• Bottlefeeding Questions

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