DRINKING FLUIDS, DECREASED

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Child drinks less than normal amounts of fluid.
• Complication: dehydration

Causes

• Main Cause: Sore mouth or throat.  See MOUTH ULCERS or SORE THROAT after using this topic to check for dehydration.
• Common cause in infants: blocked nose in bottle or breastfed infant (reason: can't breathe while sucking). See COLDS after using this topic.
• Common cause: nausea from viral stomach infection without vomiting.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Age less than 12 weeks and breastfeeding, See BREASTFEEDING QUESTIONS
• Age less than 12 weeks and formula feeding, see BOTTLEFEEDING QUESTIONS

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

View Anatomic Index of Topics