dehydration ?

[throckenholt]

My 7 year old was lethargic on Wed, sick once in the middle of the day, lay around looking sad for the rest of the day. He perked up a bit on Thurs, but didn't eat much. Friday we visited family - he perked up a bit but again didn't eat or drink much. Saturday he was again lethargic and no eating or much drinking. Today he has been asleep for two long sleeps, has eaten maybe 1 slice of bread all day, and not drunk much. He is looking pale and very tired. He has no temperature. He did (with a lot of encouragement) drink about half a mugful of water- has had maybe 1 mugful in total today.

He is also complaining of stomach pain - but he gets mesenteric adenitis (swollen stomach glands) when he gets a virus.

I was inclined to let him just sleep it out - but DH is worried he may be getting dehydrated. Any advice from the wise ones of Mumsnet ?

bump

Maybe take to gp tomorrow. Sounds like a virus of somesort. There is sooo much about at the mo. I hope he's better soon x

Your dh is right and dehydration can also cause lethargy and dark circles under the eyes.

If he wont eat thats fine - but he has to drink.

If its painful for him to drink then you need the advice of a gp.

Hope hes better soon.

thanks guys.

He has perked up a bit again - will try to make sure he gets more water in him today.

DH is on duty with them today (I am at work). 3 kids - one as described, another going downhill with tummy pains and looking very sorry for himself, and the third feeling like he is missing out on attention and also claiming unspecified illness (although does has a very runny nose so probably sickening for something). DH sounds very stressed

Looks like more time off school this week. What with snow and illness they seemed to have had loads of time off this term - not sure we have managed a whole week with all 3 of them at school !