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What is dizziness from dehydration?
Dizziness is a feeling of light-headedness or feeling faint.
Your child feels dizzy because they are not drinking as much fluid as their body needs.
If there is not enough fluid in the body, it takes longer for the blood to make it to the brain, which then cuases your child to feel dizzy.
As your child drinks fluids and rests, the dizziness should improve.
What causes dizziness from dehydration?
Dizziness from dehydration occurs when your child is not drinking enough to give their body the fluid it needs.
When the body doesn’t have enough fluid, it is harder to get the blood up to their brain where it is needed most.
When the blood can’t reach the brain fast enough, it can cause dizziness in your child.
Common causes of dizziness from dehydration are:
Not drinking enough.
Losing fluid with vomiting.
Losing fluid with diarrhea.
Fevers, since the body heats up.
Exercise, as this heats up the body.
Being in the heat and not drinking enough.
Playing or working outdoors on warm or hot days and not drinking enough.
Sweating a lot and not drinking enough to replenish the body’s needs.
What are the symptoms of dizziness from dehydration?
Your child may feel dizzy or light-headed.
They may look unsteady, wobbly, or feel slightly off balance.
They may say they feel off or it may seem like they are not thinking clearly.
They may say things look funny or blurry.
They may complain of a headache or feel tired.
They may say their mouth feels dry.
They may feel nausea or vomit.
How is dizziness from dehydration prevented?
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
During warmer days, make sure they drink even more.
Offer salty snacks as this helps keep water in the body to keep the blood pressure up.
Some good options are popcorn, pretzels, carrots, and celery.
Offer hydrating fruits and veggies that have a high amount of water in them like strawberries, watermelon, grapefruit, oranges, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Giving your child electrolyte drinks when they have vomiting, diarrhea or a fever can be helpful.
Encourage your child to take frequent water and rest breaks when exercising.
Exercising in the shaded areas or indoors is helpful on hot days.
Limit playing and working outside during the hottest hours of the day (usually from 10am to 4pm).
Move to shaded areas when possible for relief from the heat.
Take water breaks often.
Make sure your child is getting good sleep and eating healthy.
How is dizziness from dehydration treated?
Offer your child water and electorlyte drinks.
If they don’t feel nausea, you can offer them a salty snack like popcorn, pretzels, carrots and celery.
If they are in the sun, move them to a shaded area.
Taking a cool shower or bath may help.
If they have a fever, tylenol and ibuprofen can help with the fever.
You can also place cool compresses on their body or have them suck on ice if old enough.
Have them lay down to rest and prop their knees up if possible.
This helps blood get back to the brain.
When to contact your CPCMG healthcare team:
Your child’s symptoms are not improving.
Your child has passed out (fainted).
Your child continues to have episodes of dizziness.
You have other questions or concerns.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from Healthychildren.org, UpToDate, healthline, Cleveland Clinic, Rady Children’s Hospital
Images from https://www.momjunction.com/articles/causes-of-dizziness-in-children-care-treatment_00720167/#google_vignette, https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/how-to-keep-your-kids-hydrated-and-safe-in-the-summer-heat/,