My 2 year old has pneumonia and I'm afraid he's getting dehydrated?

Question

he was diagnosed with pneumonia on monday, he's been on antibiotic since, but recently he hasn't been drinking as much as he was/should, he's only had around 20 oz. in 24 hours. But he's still as active as usual. Am I over-reacting? Sorry, I'm only 21 and have 6546873 questions about fatherhood :)

Answer 1

If he's running around and playing and not thirsty, he's probably o.k. Here's some simple tests for dehydration: look at his lips, if they're dry then he could be mildly dehydrated. If the inside of his mouth is also dry, however, then it's more serious. If you pinch his skin and pull it up and it doesn't bounce right back, then that's time to call in the doctor. In the meanwhile, try persuading him with some popsicles or pedialyte if you want to boost his liquids.

Answer 2

You're a concerned parent & no, you're not over reacting. If your son is going to the bathroom regularly after drinking, then he's not dehydrated. Try offering him some jello water. You follow the instructions on the box, but don't refrigerate it or it will thicken. Pour it into a covered pitcher or plastic container of sorts. Once it cools down, offer a little of it to him now & then. When I worked in the Dietary Dept. at a hospital, the doctors were always putting the young ones on "jello water." It tastes good & it encouages the little ones to drink more. Try the strawberry or orange flavors, as it seems to be the favorite among most little ones. Always feel free to call your doctor when you have such concerns. That's what he/she is there for. I hope your son will like the jello water. Mine always did when they were sick. You might also try the Pedialyte popsicles. They're good for him & they taste good too. Hope your son is doing better each day. :)

Answer 3

Give the child a warm bath, this should slow down his sweating which is also related to dehydration. Go to the store and buy some of Pedilyte popsicles this will bring up his electrolytes. Continue his antibiotics until they are fully gone and continue as directed by the doctor. Try doing some things with the child that aren't as strenuous such reading him a book, playing little games with him

Answer 4

your not over reacting i am also a young first time parent with a 2 year old and I know how hard it is. If you haven't gotten him to drink yet take him to the hospital they will give him an IV. its hard to watch but its needed. My daughter had pneumonia 3 months ago and would not eat or drink we took her to the hospital and after 5 days of IV and antibiotics she was let go. never think your over reacting or wont be taken seriously because your young.

Answer 5

hydration is ESSENTIAL in combating disease of any kind. Most medication cannot function without adequate liquids.

offer clear juices, broth and water frequently and if need be, use a bit of bribery. tell him every time he takes a drink, you will give him a sticker or let him pick a game to play.

we had a sick child at an away from home camp and the only way we could get her to drink until her parents were able to come to get her was to take a drink of whatever she was being offered at the same time. (sort of a tiny tot version of a chug-a-lug)

if there has been no real improvement over the next few hours in his intake of liquids, TAKE HIM TO THE HOSPITAL.

the smaller the person, the more the risk of complications due to dehydration.

God bless!

Answer 6

Hey i'm 21 and have a 2 year old also (don't feel stupid).My daughter had this same problem. Anyways...have you tried pedialyte? if you haven't.. try that. If he/she refuses to take that try some popsicles(any kind will work. my kid loves cherry)...any kind of liquid is good. If he/she still looks in bad shape and is throwing up a lot totally take him/her to the hospital. Its a hassle but better safe than sorry. If you can't tell if he/she is dehydrated than pich his/her fingertip, like a pincer,and see if it turns from white to red. If it does then he/she is still hydrated. Good luck...hope this helps.

Answer 7

Call the hospital right away and ask what to do! They usually have a nurse's hotline or something where the duty nurse can give you advice. You are NOT overreacting - you are good to care so much about your child. However, if he's behaving normally, that's usually a good sign. If he were lethargic I'd really be concerned. My prayers are with you and your son! Get well soon, baby!!

Answer 8

try to change the drink to a differant favour,maybe he is fed up with the same,i new coloured drink may encourage him.maybe you can drink with him.try oranges,this has vit c and is wet
you can try some herbs(link)
i just wanted to add,that when the season starts with colds and so on,i try to buy more fruit and veg,galic is good for infection.also honey helps.look for herbs and so on that boosts that imune systum,
we all have 6546873 questions,and there is nothing wrong about asking.im a mother of 5,and i still look for answers
i hope your son gets better soon and good luck.

Answer 9

There's no problem. When anyones sick you feel to crappy to eat or drink some things. Try giving him hot cocoa or a popsicle. Something that he likes and will feel good going down. Give him some soup/broth. My mom used to make me chicken or beef broth (the Boullion cubes in watter warmed up in the microwave) It wakes a soup like broth and then she gave me crackers to dip. I always liked the Lipton chicken Noodle soup and If he doesn't like the vegetables in it Lipton's extra noodle chicken noodle soup. If he doesn't go for that water, Gatorade, Powerade, Lemonade, Juice or juice boxes, or milk will be good for him. Tell him that once he gets some fluids in him He will feel much better and be able to play with his friends again! Don't forget to give him the choice of flavor he wants!

Good luck! I hope he feels better. and I hope I'm your best answer.

Answer 10

in case you circulate to the childcare or "toddler" area of the food market they sell a product called pedialyte. Its a great source of fluids for infants. It has electrolytes and tastes notably stable so as that they relish eating it. in addition they make electrolyte candy. Electrolytes are a particular sort of salt that motives the physique to soak up fluids swifter and extra effectively. For the surely cough, in case you have a humidifier it extremely is beneficial to circulate to an herbalist and ask approximately utilising the two witch hazel or Mullien to help expel the fluid in the lungs.