Severe dehydration
By the time a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to vital organs. Shock, which is a life-threatening condition, can develop quickly.
A severely dehydrated person may not be able to cooperate or communicate.
Symptoms of severe dehydration (even if only one of them is present) include:
- Altered behavior, such as severe anxiety, confusion, or not being able to stay awake.
- Faintness that is not relieved by lying down, or lightheadedness that continues after standing for 2 minutes.
- Inability to stand or walk.
- Rapid breathing.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Cold, clammy skin or hot, dry skin.
- Little or no urine for 12 hours or longer.
- Loss of consciousness.
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Call911or other emergency services immediately.
| Author | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated | July 6, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 06, 2007
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