Dehydration management in non-diarrheal illnesses needs to be better defined. An article reported on a consensus arrived at an Indian-expert advisory board meeting in September 2020. The recommendations were on the current treatment strategies for managing pediatric dehydration due tonon-diarrheal disease.

It was suggested that oral fluid, electrolyte, and energy supplementation in children with acute illnesses should be symptomatic and based on the amount of water loss and/or lower intakes. Timely prescription of oral rehydration fluids should be practiced, and precise doses must be advocated.

Appropriate use of intravenous fluids should be encouraged, while carbonated drinks and canned juice intake must be discouraged. Fluid replacement with plain water may not suffice – especially in patients with anorexia. 

Further, patient monitoring is crucial for children with dehydration due to acute illnesses. Early intervention and management of fluid balance are essential to improve the disease prognosis. 

Source: Research Square. May 9th, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1590086/v1