Dehydration Signs and Symptoms

That a child can become dehydrated playing sports in late spring, the heat and humidity of summer, or early fall  would probably not surprise most parents, but it may be harder to believe that while you are standing on the sidelines bundled in a sweater on a crisp fall day watching your child running up and down the soccer field she may become dehydrated.  The bottom line is that kids can become dehydrated whatever and whenever they play sports, regardless of season, temperature or relative humidity.

Surprisingly common

Some more surprises:

• kids become dehydrated very easily: dehydration can begin when an athlete loses as little as 1 percent of body weight. In a 70-pound child, that is less than 1 pound of weight lost through sweat.  this about half a liter of body water lost;
• dehydration effects performance: as little as a 2% decrease in body weight from fluid loss (e.g. 1.2 lb for a 60-lb athlete) can lead to a significant decrease in muscular strength and stamina;
• dehydration effects cognition: a 3% decrease in body water can adversely affect cognitive function. In the sports context, this may affect a child's ability to pay attention to the coach or remember a play.
• most kids are dehydrated playing sports: two recent studies of kids at summer sports camps showed that a majority were dehydrated, that 25 to 30 percent showed signs of serious dehydration putting them at increased risk of heat-related illnesses,  and that such dehydration occurred despite the availability of water and sports drinks, frequent breaks and coaches' encouragement to stay hydrated. The studies also showed that, once children are dehydrated, it is nearly impossible for them to catch up.
• The majority of children are dehydrated before they start playing sports: the same studies at summer sports camps found that almost 2/3 of children were dehydrated before they hit the field to start practicing. This puts the child at a disadvantage in the sport and increases their risk of heat illness.

Signs and symptoms

If your child tires easily and repeatedly in practice and appears irritable, and her performance suddenly declines, dehydration, and/or inadequate calorie intake may be the cause.

The following are also signs that your child is dehydrated:

• Thirsty

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Tired or fealing weak

• Urine is bright yellow in color

• Apathy or lack of energy 

• Grumpiness

• Trouble concentrating

• Nausea

The following are signs that your child is severly dehydrated:

• Dry lips and tongue

• Sunken eyes

• Bright colored or dark urine, or urine with a strong odor

• Infrequent urination

• Small volume of urine

Progressive effect

The progressive effects of dehydration are serious. As a child becomes dehydrated, heart rate increases, blood flow to the skin decreases, and a body temperature can rise steadily to dangerous levels. To avoid a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, parents and coaches need to be familiar with the symptoms of and treatment for heat-related illnesses.

Updated and revised February 25, 2010