Dehydration and Heatstroke Due to El Niño More Dangerous for Children
Jakarta — The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has warned parents to be vigilant about the health impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on children. Extreme heat caused by El Niño can increase the risk of dehydration and heatstroke in children.
Dr Darmawan Budi Setyanto, who chairs IDAI’s Environmental Health and Climate Change Task Force and is a paediatric pulmonology consultant, stated that dehydration and heatstroke in children can be more dangerous than in adults. “Dehydration and heatstroke in children are more dangerous. Children lose fluids three times faster per kilogram of body weight than adults. At the extreme temperatures of El Niño, the risk of life-threatening conditions rises dramatically,” he said during an IDAI monitoring webinar in Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
He explained that dehydration in children can be graded into three degrees: mild, moderate, and severe. Parents should be vigilant as these conditions can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Mild dehydration is characterised by a dry mouth, thirst, concentrated urine, and the child appearing uncomfortable. This condition can still be managed at home by offering drinks more frequently.
Moderate dehydration is signified by sunken eyes, reduced skin turgor, weakness, and crying with little to no tears. Parents are advised to promptly take their child to a health facility if these signs are observed.
“Severe dehydration is characterised by the child being unresponsive, a weak or rapid pulse, cold extremities, and very sunken eyes. This requires immediate attendance at the emergency department as it is life-threatening,” said Dr Darmawan.
In addition to dehydration, Dr Darmawan also warned of the danger of heatstroke in children. Symptoms include a rapidly rising body temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius, rapid and shallow breathing, and a hot body with little or no sweating.
He noted that sweating is the body’s mechanism for dissipating heat. When this mechanism fails, heat is retained in the body and can cause brain dysfunction. “In turn, this can lead to brain dysfunction resulting in seizures or loss of consciousness,” said Dr Darmawan.
To prevent dehydration and heat exposure in children, he emphasised the importance of encouraging children to carry a bottle of drinking water when playing or engaging in outdoor activities. Children should also be reminded to drink regularly even if they do not feel thirsty. “Children often refuse to drink if they do not feel thirsty. Emphasise to children that water is essential for regulating the body’s temperature and metabolism, so that the body can function properly,” said Dr Darmawan.