Dehydration

What is dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when a person's body loses too much water. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage of body weight lost.

What causes dehydration?

When a person stops drinking water or loses large amounts of fluids because of diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes, fever, or sweating, the body reabsorbs fluid from the blood and other body tissues. Also, you may not drink enough fluids because of nausea, sore throat or mouth sores, or another illness.

Sick children can become dehydrated because of refusing to either eat or drink anything while also losing fluids due to diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of mild dehydration include:

• Dry mouth and sticky saliva.
• Reduced urine output with dark yellow urine.

Symptoms of moderate dehydration include:

• Decreased frequency of urination (half the normal number of urinations-usually three or fewer-in 24 hours).
• Urine that is dark amber or brown.
• Increased thirst.
• Mucous membranes that appear dry (decreased saliva and tears).
• Faintness that is relieved by lying down.

Severe dehydration is a life-threatening condition. Any one of the following symptoms requires emergency care:

• Altered mental status, severe anxiety
• Faintness that is not relieved by lying down or lightheadedness that continues after standing for 2 minutes
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Skin that is cold and clammy or hot and dry
• Loss of consciousness

What can happen when a person becomes dehydrated?

By the time a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to get blood to the vital organs and the person may begin to go into shock, a life-threatening condition.

Who is at risk for dehydration?

Dehydration can occur at any age, but it is especially dangerous for babies, children, and older adults. It is most dangerous for newborns. Watch your newborn closely any time there is an illness that causes a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

How is dehydration diagnosed?

Dehydration can be identified through a physical exam. Tests may be done to determine the specific cause of dehydration, such as a test of blood sugar levels to check for diabetes.

How is it treated?

Drinking fluids is often enough to treat mild or moderate dehydration. Fluids should be taken slowly, in frequent, small amounts, as drinking too much too fast can cause vomiting. Electrolytes should also be replaced, especially if vomiting or diarrhea last longer than 24 hours. Electrolyte drinks such as Ricelyte or Rehydralyte will work. However, do not use sports drinks because they contain too much sugar and can cause or worsen diarrhea.

Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and rehydration with intravenous fluids.