Which among the following is the sign of severe dehydration among infants? 

Explanation

• Dehydration occurs when an infant or child loses so much body fluid that they are not able to maintain ordinary function. 
• Dehydration may happen because of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or not drinking enough water. 

Some signs of dehydration in infants:

• Dry tongue and dry lips
• No tears when crying
• Depressed fontanelle
• Drowsiness
• Sunken eyes
• Dry and wrinkled skin
• Deep, rapid breathing
• Cool and blotchy hands and feel

 Important PointsDehydration can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heat injury
• Urinary and kidney problems
• Seizures
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock)

Additional Information ORT (Oral rehydration therapy) is the giving of fluid by mouth to prevent and/or correct the dehydration that is a result of diarrhoea.  As soon as diarrhoea begins, treatment using home remedies to prevent dehydration must be started. If adults or children have not been given extra drinks, or if in spite of this dehydration does occur, they must be treated with a special drink made with oral rehydration salts (ORS).

Dehydration can usually be treated at home, but severe cases may require hospitalization. Hospital care may include:

• Fluids are given intravenously (IV).
• Monitoring of electrolytes imbalance.
• Acetaminophen for fever.
• Rest.