Hydration and Nutrition When Your Child Is Sick

Important information:

Illness can make it harder for children to take in enough fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration. In some cases, children may need extra support to get enough fluids and avoid getting sicker. Your healthcare team may recommend fluids though and IV or a feeding tube (NG tube).

Two common infections that can cause dehydration are gastroenteritis and bronchiolitis. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a virus or bacteria, It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and a decreased appetite. These symptoms may lead to dehydration. Bronchiolitis is a viral lung infection that mostly affects babies and young children under 2 years old. It can cause wheezing, trouble breathing, and difficulty eating and drinking, which may also lead to dehydration. Your healthcare team will discuss ways to help your child get enough fluids while they recover.

Nasogastric tube (NG tube)

NG tube

An NG tube is a soft tube used to give liquids to the stomach. It goes in through one nostril, down the esophagus (food pipe), and into the stomach.

Benefits:

• No needles are used.

• Inserting an NG tube is usually quicker and easier than placing an IV.

• Tube feedings can be used to meet your child’s nutritional needs.

• Your child may feel less hungry since we can give breast milk, Pedialyte, or formula through the tube.

• Your child can receive most medications through the tube.

• Your child can still drink with the tube in place if they are tolerating oral feeds.

Disadvantages:

• Your child may gag when the tube is put in.

• There is a small chance the tube might go in the wrong place, but we check this by testing fluid from the stomach or with an X-ray if needed.

• The tube can accidentally be pulled out, even if taped to the face, and may need to be replaced.

Peripheral intravenous (PIV) line

PIV in hand

A PIV is a small tube placed into a vein through the skin. It can go in the arm, hand, leg, or foot.

Benefits:

• The PIV can give your child fluids and medications. 

• It is the fastest way to give fluids.

•  If your child’s condition gets worse, having a PIV already in place can help.

Disadvantages:

• Putting in the PIV can cause discomfort.

• Sometimes it’s hard to place, and multiple needle sticks may be needed.

• IV fluids contain water, sugar, sodium, and electrolytes but they don’t fill the stomach, so your child may still feel hungry. 

• The PIV can accidentally come out or get dislodged causing IV fluid or medicine to flow under the skin. This can cause skin irritation and swelling. 

• When IV fluids are running, the IV site is checked every hour.

Reviewed September 2024 by Elena M. Becker, BSN, RN, CPHQ