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It may be hard to believe, but while you are standing on the sidelines bundled in a sweater on a crisp fall day watching your child running up and down the soccer field, she may become dehydrated.

Dehydration can begin when an athlete loses as little as 1 percent of body weight. In a 70-pound child, that is less than 1 pound of weight lost through sweat. As little as a 2% decrease in body weight from fluid loss (e.g. 1.2 lb for a 60-lb athlete) can lead to a significant decrease in muscular strength and stamina.

If your child tires easily and repeatedly in practice and appears irritable, and her performance suddenly declines, dehydration, and/or inadequate calorie intake may be the cause.

The following are also signs that your child is dehydrated:

• Dry lips and tongue

• Sunken eyes

• Bright colored or dark urine, or urine with a strong odor

• Infrequent urination

• Small volume of urine

• Apathy or lack of energy

The progressive effects of dehydration are serious. As a child becomes dehydrated, heart rate increases, blood flow to the skin decreases, and a body temperature can rise steadily to dangerous levels. To avoid a potentially life-threatening medical emergency, parents and coaches need to be familiar with the symptoms of and treatment for heat-related illnesses.

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Article Updated: August 25, 2007

 Dehydration & Electrolytes: A Primer

 Fluid Guidelines For Young Athletes

 Heat Illnesses: Symptoms And Treatment

 How To Ensure That Your Child Gets Adequate Fluids While Playing Sports

 NOAA Heat Index Chart

 Nutritional Needs Of Youth Athletes: An Overview

 Preventing Heat Illnesses In Youth Athletes

 Studies Show Sports Drinks Best For Young Athletes

 Ten Steps To Preventing Heat Stroke

 When To Modify Or Cancel Practices Because Of The Heat And/Or Humidity

 Why Children Have Special Fluid Needs

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