A total of 49.5 percent of the age of the child and preteen Indonesia is estimated to have mild dehydration. This means, one of child 10-19 year olds in Indonesia suffered dehydration. However, the problem of dehydration is often not recognized by parents or the children themselves.
According to the Chairman of the Indonesian Food Pergizi Prof. Dr.. Ir. Hardinsyah, symptoms of dehydration in children should be recognized and wary. In the mild stage, dehydration can affect directly to the child's comprehension and concentration. In heavy phase, dehydration can be very fatal and dangerous.
"Lack of fluid direct effect on child's ability to concentrate. Though still small, the water needs of children the same as adults," said Hardinsyah, Saturday (04/27/2013) in Jakarta.
"Lack of fluid direct effect on child's ability to concentrate. Though still small, the water needs of children the same as adults," said Hardinsyah, Saturday (04/27/2013) in Jakarta.
The child has signs or symptoms of dehydration, said Hardinsyah, among other headaches that continued increase in body temperature. If dehydration continues, stamina and concentration of children continues to decline, and lead to loss of consciousness.
Urine color is also darker comparable children with severe dehydration. Of these markers, increase in body temperature is most often found. This is because children do not have as much water disposal capacity of adults.
"Adult body surface area greater than the child. So signs of dehydration in children are easier to find with an increase in body temperature," said Hardinsyah.
When the body temperature starts to rise, parents should check and make sure the child receives adequate fluids. Fluid requirements for children per day is 1.9 to 2.2 liters. However, this figure changes according to weather and children's activities. Weather and high activity allows the child's fluid needs increase.
Hardinsyah also advised the parents to meet the child's adequacy of fluid every day. Even if not thirsty or weather and activity is low, the amount of liquid equal of at least 1.9 liters must be received by the child's body. "The term drinking before thirst. Because, when thirsty already lost one percent of body fluid," said Hardinsyah.
He also added about 1/5 fluid is formed in the body through metabolic processes. Prevention of dehydration needs to be done to get used to drink water regularly every day. Liquid of any kind, according to Hardinsyah, can be consumed freely origin preservatives, harmful chemicals, and non-toxic.
Hardinsyah said, if the liquid is certainly better nutrition for the growth and development of children. Drink milk for example, can be an alternative to the fulfillment of the liquid for children. Consumption of milk with protein, minerals, and vitamins are not only able to cope with dehydration, but help meet the nutritional needs of children.