Is My Child Dehydrated? Signs to Look for and When to Seek Help

It’s always concerning to see our little ones sick. We know it’s important to keep them hydrated, but it’s not always easy to get them to drink when they feel so unwell. Dr. Jamie Kondis, pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses the signs and symptoms to look for dehydration in your child. Gastroenteritis, which is often called the stomach flu, can often cause dehydration in our children. Learn the signs to look out for, and some tips to help get fluids in your kid. If you fear your child is severely dehydrated, seek immediate medical care.

For care when your pediatrician’s office is closed our pediatric experts are available at After Hours in Edwardsville, O’Fallon, MO, and south St. Louis County. For urgent health care concerns, Washington University Physicians from St. Louis Children’s Hospital see all pediatric patients at the following ERs: St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Progress West Hospital, Northwest HealthCare, Memorial Hospital Belleville, and Memorial Hospital Shiloh.

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital YouTube station is intended as a reference and information source only. If you suspect you have a health problem, you should seek immediate care with the appropriate health care professionals. The information on this website is not a substitute for professional care, and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. For help finding a doctor, St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line may be of assistance at 314.454.KIDS (5437). The opinions expressed in these videos are those of the individual writers, not necessarily St. Louis Children's Hospital or Washington University School of Medicine. BJC HealthCare and Washington University School of Medicine assume no liability for the information contained in this website or for its use.