What is dehydration?  

Dehydration is a condition that develops when your body does not have enough fluid. You may become dehydrated if you do not drink enough water or lose too much fluid. Fluid loss may also cause loss of electrolytes (minerals), such as sodium.

•    Vomiting, diarrhea, or fever

•    Being in the sun or heat for too long

•    Sweating while playing sports

•    Diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, or infections

•    Medicines that cause you to lose water and salt, such as diuretics (water pills)

•    Older age with decreased ability to sense thirst or to urinate

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration? 

•    Dry eyes or mouth

•    Increased thirst

•    Dark yellow urine

•    Urinating little or not at all

•    Tiredness or body weakness

•    Headache, dizziness, or confusion

•    Irregular or fast breathing, fast or pounding heartbeat, and low blood pressure

•    Sudden weight loss

How is dehydration diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and check your breathing and heartbeat. He or she will look at your eyes, skin, mouth, and tongue. He or she will ask you how much liquid you have been drinking, and how much you are urinating. Tell him or her if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea. Blood and urine tests are used to check your electrolyte levels. The tests may show the cause of your dehydration, such as infection or diabetes. They may also show if your kidneys are working correctly.

How is dehydration treated? 

•    Oral liquids: 

  o     If you are mildly to moderately dehydrated, you may need an oral rehydration solution (ORS). This drink contains the right amount of salt, sugar, and minerals in water to replace body fluids. Ask your doctor where you can get an ORS

  o     dehydrated and how often you should drink it

  o     A sports drink is not the same as an ORS. Do not drink sports drinks without asking your doctor

  o     Do not drink soft drinks or fruit juices. These can make your condition worse

 •    You may receive fluid through an IV. Electrolytes may also be included in the fluid

What can I do to prevent dehydration? 

•    Drink liquids as directed. Liquids that contain water, sugar, and minerals can help your body hold in fluid and help prevent dehydration. Drink liquids throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Men should drink about 3 liters (13 eight-ounce cups) of liquid each day. Women should drink about 2 liters (9 eight-ounce cups) of liquid each day. Drink even more liquid if you will be outdoors, in the sun for a long time, or exercising

•    Stay cool. Limit the time you spend outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Dress in lightweight clothes

•    Keep track of how often you urinate. If you urinate less than usual or your urine is darker, drink more liquids

When should I seek immediate care? 

•    You have a seizure

•    You are confused or cannot think clearly

•    You are extremely sleepy, or another person cannot wake you

•    You become dizzy or faint when you stand

•    You are not able to urinate

•    You have trouble breathing

•    You have a fast or irregular heartbeat

•    Your hands or feet are cold, or your face is pale 

When should I contact my doctor? 

•    You have trouble drinking liquids because you are vomiting

•    Your symptoms get worse

•    You have a fever

•    You feel very weak or tired

•    You have questions or concerns about your condition or care

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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