DRINKING FLUIDS, DECREASED

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR DRINKING FLUIDS, DECREASED

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:

Not moving or too weak to stand.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Has not urinated in more than 8 hours.
- Crying produces no tears.
- Very dry mouth (rather than moist).
- Sunken soft spot.
- Excessively sleepy child.
Too weak to suck or drink.
Refuses to drink anything for more than 12 hours. (8 hours if less than 12 months old)
Could have swallowed a foreign body.
Wheezing or stridor with breathing
Difficulty breathing not better after you clean out the nose.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Unexplained difficulty drinking and also has fever.
Poor drinking present > 3 days.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

Drinking adequate amounts of fluid AND no signs of dehydration and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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