Less than 5% dehydration in a child

less than 5% dehydration in a child

Less than 5% dehydration refers to a loss of body weight of <5%; the child is classified as having 'no signs of dehydration'.

Features include:

• general appearance - well, alert child
• eyes - normal
• thirst - drinks normally, not thirsty
• skin pinch - goes back quickly

Note:

• the skin pinch is less useful in infants or children with marasmus or kwashiorkor, or obese children (1)

Reference:

• (1) World Health Organization (WHO) 2005. The treatment of diarrhoea. A manual for physicians and other senior health workers