FRIDAY, July 23, 2010 (HealthDay News) -- This summer's exceptionally hot weather means children are at increased risk for dehydration, a pediatric expert warns.
"It's always important to keep your kids hydrated, but when you're dealing with this kind of heat it can be especially dangerous," Dr. Sean Cahill, an associate professor in the pediatrics department at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said in a Loyola news release.
"Dehydration puts kids at risk for heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. They can suffer from rhabdomyolysis, which is when their muscles break down and this process leads to kidney failure and damaged muscle cells from crystals in the urine," Cahill noted.
Infants may be at greatest risk for dehydration because they can't get the water they need on their own.
Dehydration can happen quickly so parents need to be watchful for the following signs that children aren't getting enough fluids:
Cahill offered the following advice for making sure children stay hydrated:
More information
The Nemours Foundation has more about children and dehydration.