Dehydration: Care Instructions

Overview

Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid. This might happen when you do not drink enough water or you lose large amounts of fluids from your body because of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, sweating, or exercise. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.

Water and minerals called electrolytes help put your body fluids back in balance. Learn the early symptoms of dehydration, and drink more fluids to prevent it.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water, clear liquids, or rehydration drinks until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• If you do not feel like eating or drinking, try taking small sips of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.

To prevent dehydration

• Add more fluids to your diet and daily routine, unless your doctor has told you not to.
• During hot weather, drink more fluids. Drink even more fluids if you exercise a lot. Stay away from drinks with alcohol.
• Watch for the symptoms of dehydration, which include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine, and feeling thirstier than usual.
• Learn what health problems can lead to dehydration. These include:
  • Diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
  • Any illness with a fever, such as pneumonia or the flu.
  • Activities that cause heavy sweating, such as endurance races and heavy outdoor work in hot or humid weather.
  • Certain medicines, such as cold and allergy pills (antihistamines), pills that remove water from the body (diuretics), and laxatives.
  • Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart or kidney disease.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are confused and can't think clearly.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have symptoms of worsening dehydration, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
• You cannot keep fluids down.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.