Cure for dehydration: Dehydration – Diagnosis and treatment
Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, and treatments
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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Dehydration occurs when more water and fluids leave the body than enter it.
Even low levels of dehydration can cause headaches, lethargy, and constipation.
The human body is roughly 75 percent water. Without this water, it cannot survive. Water is found inside cells, within blood vessels, and between cells.
A sophisticated water management system keeps our water levels balanced, and our thirst mechanism tells us when we need to increase fluid intake.
Although water is constantly lost throughout the day as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, we can replenish the water in our body by drinking fluids. The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if dehydration begins to occur.
Most occurrences of dehydration can be easily reversed by increasing fluid intake, but severe cases of dehydration require immediate medical attention.
Fast facts about dehydration
- Around three-quarters of the human body is water.
- The causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.
- Individuals more at risk of dehydration include athletes, people at higher altitudes, and older adults.
- Early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, and dizziness.
Was this helpful?
Dehydration is easy to remedy but can be serious if left unchecked.
The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. In fact, urine color is one of the best indicators of a person’s hydration level – clear urine means you are well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.
However, it is important to note that, particularly in older adults, dehydration can occur without thirst. This is why it is important to drink more water when ill, or during hotter weather.
As the condition progresses to moderate dehydration, symptoms include:
- dry mouth
- lethargy
- weakness in muscles
- headache
- dizziness
Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15 percent of the body’s water) may be characterized by extreme versions of the symptoms above as well as:
- lack of sweating
- sunken eyes
- shriveled and dry skin
- low blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- fever
- delirium
- unconsciousness
Symptoms in children
- in babies – a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head)
- dry tongue and mouth
- irritable
- no tears when crying
- sunken cheeks and/or eyes
- no wet diaper for 3 or more hours
The basic causes of dehydration are not taking in enough water, losing too much water, or a combination of both.
Sometimes, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example). Additional causes of dehydration include:
Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.
Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.
Sweating – the body’s cooling mechanism releases a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.
Diabetes – high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss.
Tips for handling summer heat for people with diabetes.
Frequent urination – usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.
Burns – blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
Although dehydration can happen to anyone, some people are at a greater risk. Those at most risk include:
Older adults commonly become dehydrated.
- People at higher altitudes.
- Athletes, especially those in endurance events, such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling tournaments. Dehydration can undermine performance in sports, as this article explains.
- People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, and adrenal gland disorders.
- Infants and children – most commonly due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Dehydration in older adults is also common; sometimes this occurs because they drink less water so that they do not need to get up for the toilet as often.
There are also changes in the brain meaning that thirst does not always occur.
If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:
Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.
Seizures – due to an imbalance of electrolytes.
Kidney problems – including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.
Heat injury – ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
A doctor will use both physical and mental exams to diagnose dehydration. A patient presenting symptoms such as disorientation, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, lack of sweat, and inelastic skin will usually be considered dehydrated.
Blood tests are often employed to test kidney function and to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolyte levels.
Electrolytes are chemicals that regulate hydration in the body and are crucial for nerve and muscle function. A urine analysis will provide very useful information to help diagnose dehydration. In a dehydrated person, urine will be darker in color and more concentrated – containing a certain level of compounds called ketones.
To diagnose dehydration in infants, doctors usually check for a sunken soft spot on the skull. They may also look for a loss of sweat and certain muscle tone characteristics.
Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.
Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication.
This may include medication available to purchase over-the-counter or online, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics (stop vomiting), and anti-fever medicines.
Prevention is really the most important treatment for dehydration. Consuming plenty of fluids and foods that have high water content (such as fruits and vegetables) should be enough for most people to prevent dehydration.
People should be cautious about doing activities during extreme heat or the hottest part of the day, and anyone who is exercising should make replenishing fluids a priority.
Since the elderly and very young are most at risk of being dehydrated, special attention should be given to them to make sure they are receiving enough fluids.
Video: Signs of dehydration – how to prevent it
Read the article in Spanish.
Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, and treatments
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Dehydration occurs when more water and fluids leave the body than enter it. Even low levels of dehydration can cause headaches, lethargy, and constipation.
The human body is roughly 75 percent water. Without this water, it cannot survive. Water is found inside cells, within blood vessels, and between cells.
A sophisticated water management system keeps our water levels balanced, and our thirst mechanism tells us when we need to increase fluid intake.
Although water is constantly lost throughout the day as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, we can replenish the water in our body by drinking fluids. The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if dehydration begins to occur.
Most occurrences of dehydration can be easily reversed by increasing fluid intake, but severe cases of dehydration require immediate medical attention.
Fast facts about dehydration
- Around three-quarters of the human body is water.
- The causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.
- Individuals more at risk of dehydration include athletes, people at higher altitudes, and older adults.
- Early symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, lethargy, and dizziness.
Was this helpful?
Dehydration is easy to remedy but can be serious if left unchecked.
The first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. In fact, urine color is one of the best indicators of a person’s hydration level – clear urine means you are well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.
However, it is important to note that, particularly in older adults, dehydration can occur without thirst. This is why it is important to drink more water when ill, or during hotter weather.
As the condition progresses to moderate dehydration, symptoms include:
- dry mouth
- lethargy
- weakness in muscles
- headache
- dizziness
Severe dehydration (loss of 10-15 percent of the body’s water) may be characterized by extreme versions of the symptoms above as well as:
- lack of sweating
- sunken eyes
- shriveled and dry skin
- low blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- fever
- delirium
- unconsciousness
Symptoms in children
- in babies – a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head)
- dry tongue and mouth
- irritable
- no tears when crying
- sunken cheeks and/or eyes
- no wet diaper for 3 or more hours
The basic causes of dehydration are not taking in enough water, losing too much water, or a combination of both.
Sometimes, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example). Additional causes of dehydration include:
Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.
Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.
Sweating – the body’s cooling mechanism releases a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.
Diabetes – high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss.
Tips for handling summer heat for people with diabetes.
Frequent urination – usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.
Burns – blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
Although dehydration can happen to anyone, some people are at a greater risk. Those at most risk include:
Older adults commonly become dehydrated.
- People at higher altitudes.
- Athletes, especially those in endurance events, such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling tournaments. Dehydration can undermine performance in sports, as this article explains.
- People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, and adrenal gland disorders.
- Infants and children – most commonly due to diarrhea and vomiting.
Dehydration in older adults is also common; sometimes this occurs because they drink less water so that they do not need to get up for the toilet as often.
There are also changes in the brain meaning that thirst does not always occur.
If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:
Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.
Seizures – due to an imbalance of electrolytes.
Kidney problems – including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.
Heat injury – ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
A doctor will use both physical and mental exams to diagnose dehydration. A patient presenting symptoms such as disorientation, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, lack of sweat, and inelastic skin will usually be considered dehydrated.
Blood tests are often employed to test kidney function and to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolyte levels.
Electrolytes are chemicals that regulate hydration in the body and are crucial for nerve and muscle function. A urine analysis will provide very useful information to help diagnose dehydration. In a dehydrated person, urine will be darker in color and more concentrated – containing a certain level of compounds called ketones.
To diagnose dehydration in infants, doctors usually check for a sunken soft spot on the skull. They may also look for a loss of sweat and certain muscle tone characteristics.
Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.
Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication.
This may include medication available to purchase over-the-counter or online, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics (stop vomiting), and anti-fever medicines.
Prevention is really the most important treatment for dehydration. Consuming plenty of fluids and foods that have high water content (such as fruits and vegetables) should be enough for most people to prevent dehydration.
People should be cautious about doing activities during extreme heat or the hottest part of the day, and anyone who is exercising should make replenishing fluids a priority.
Since the elderly and very young are most at risk of being dehydrated, special attention should be given to them to make sure they are receiving enough fluids.
Video: Signs of dehydration – how to prevent it
Read the article in Spanish.
If you have Addison’s disease
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You have been diagnosed with Addison’s disease.
Your adrenal glands are not producing enough of the hormone cortisol. In some cases, the adrenal glands also do not produce enough of the hormones aldosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. This disease is also called “adrenal insufficiency” or “hypocortisolism”. An exacerbation of the disease is called “Addisonian crisis” or “adrenal crisis”. Recommendations for treatment.
Medication Instructions
Take all medicines to treat a medical condition only as directed. You will need to take replacement hormones for the rest of your life. If you are injured or become seriously ill, you may need to double or triple the dose of the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider to explain when and why you may need to increase your steroid dose.
You may need an emergency injection if you have an accident or if you cannot take your oral hormone because of vomiting. Carry an emergency steroid injection kit with you as directed by your doctor.
Before any operation, tell your doctor or surgeon that you have Addison’s disease. You may need to increase the dose of steroids you take.
Purchase a medical identification wristband that reads: “Addison’s Disease: Steroids Required Daily.” Always wear it on you in case of an emergency. Always have a list of your medications and their dosages with you, along with the name and phone number of the doctor who treats your Addison’s disease.
Prevention of dehydration
It is extremely important to prevent dehydration. For this:
Increase your salt intake if recommended by your healthcare professional. Examples of salty foods include canned soups and potato chips. Use table salt if necessary. If you are taking mineralocorticoid tablets, your doctor may need to increase your dosage during the warmer months of the year when you sweat more.
For minor flare-ups, drink more fluids and eat more salty foods.
Prevention of Addisonian crisis
Addisonian crisis can occur when there is a lack of steroid hormones during times of stress or when the body is dehydrated. For the prevention of Addisonian crisis:
Take your medicine regularly. You may need to increase the dosage of your hormonal drug from time to time. Your doctor should explain when to increase the dosage.
Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids.
Try not to get sick. During the spread of colds and flu, avoid crowded places.
Practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently.
Ask your doctor about vaccines to keep you from getting sick. Be sure to get your yearly flu shot if you’re not allergic to it.
If you get sick, take extra doses of your medicine as instructed by your doctors.
If you cannot take the medicine because you vomit, give the medicine by injection as directed by your doctors.
Make sure your close relative or friend knows about your Addison disease. This person needs to know how you are being treated and where you keep your medicines. He or she should not understand what danger signs mean that you need urgent medical attention.
Notify all your doctors
Tell all your doctors you have Addison’s disease. Including dentists, surgeons and any other medical professionals.
Follow-up
Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor as directed. Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. Always contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about the treatment of your condition.
When to call your doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Fatigue or weakness
Poor appetite or weight loss
Vertigo when standing
Muscle pain
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Acute pain in the lower back, abdomen (abdomen) or legs
Infection of any kind
Depression
Confusion
Strong emotional stress
Serious injury
Temperature 38°C ( 100.4°F) or higher, or as directed by your physician
Skin darkening
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Robert Hurd MD
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
© 2000-2023 The Stay Well Company, LLC.
All rights reserved. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
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list of medicines for the road – Viasan Magazine
February 28 15:49
1 072
A trip to rest is always something new, including for your body. He may not be ready for something – in this case, a properly assembled first aid kit will help. If you are going on vacation with children, you can’t do without it at all!
Olga Fomina
Editor of the journal Viasan
We made detailed recommendations on what must be taken and what can be left at home, how to pack a first aid kit depending on the type of vacation, and even how to deal with medicines at customs and abroad.
Important : taking these medicines does not cancel a trip to the doctor, especially if the symptoms of malaise do not disappear.
We recommend that you seek qualified assistance, regardless of the situation and the country in which you are located.
First aid kit on the road: what medicines you need to take with you
Even during the most relaxing holiday, a tourist is not protected from ailments: they can be caused by a long flight, acclimatization, unfamiliar food, unusual temperature conditions – anything! We’ve prepared a list of medicines you need to take if you feel unwell – these are common medicines that will help with vomiting, fever, diarrhea, allergies, food poisoning, sore throat or muscles.
Pack medicines well, preferably in a waterproof plastic case or carry medicines in a separate bag. There are stories about spilled iodine inside a suitcase with clothes.
You should take these funds with you so that you can quickly help yourself and your loved ones in case of emergency, and also so as not to waste time going to the pharmacy and not overpay. The drugs listed below should be used only when symptoms of malaise occur.
If in everyday life you regularly drink some medicines, do not forget to take them with you too.
Minimum list of medicines for any dispensation
| Action | Symptoms | Medicine |
| Antipyretic | Temperature over 38°C | Paracetamol, Nurofen or Ibuprofen | For muscle spasms | Pain in arms or legs | No-shpa or equivalent Drotaverine |
| Diarrhea | Loose stools | Imodium |
| Allergy | Skin rash, itching, tearing, allergic rhinitis | Zirteg, Cetirizine, Suprastin, Zodak |
| For food poisoning | Loose stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and weakness | Activated charcoal, Enterosgel |
| Vomiting | Cerucal | |
| For sore throat | Sore throat | Septolete, Tamiflu, Furacilin – gargle 3-4 times a day |
| For heaviness in the abdomen and bloating | Bloating | Mezim forte |
| Antiseptic | Bruises and abrasions | Chlorhexidine + plaster, bandage, cotton pads, peroxide, iodine |
| Burns | Sun and thermal burns | Panthenol |
When packing a first aid kit for a trip, be sure to check the conditions in which the medicines you have chosen should be stored – most of them can easily tolerate temperatures of +25 ° C, but some may need a compact cooler bag.
It is also important to make sure that all medicines have normal expiration date.
What to add to the first aid kit at sea and nature
If you are going to have a rest on the sea, it does not hurt to add sunburn remedy to the above list of . Bepanten cream has proven itself well – it is suitable for both adults and children.
If you are going to go to the mountains and have an active rest in general, do not forget to buy mosquito and tick repellant , elastic bandage in case of dislocation and psilo-balm (helps to cope with allergies if you are still bitten by insects).
What medicines can be brought across the border
Different countries have different rules for importing medicines, but the customs officers of any country are primarily interested in whether a person is carrying psychotropic, narcotic and potent drugs – they must be declared on a mandatory basis.
It happens that in one country something is prohibited that in another is allowed everywhere. For example, in the United States, Citramon, which is familiar to visitors to Russian pharmacies, is banned, but in Russia you cannot buy Ritalin (the active ingredient is methylphenidate, which is used abroad to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
In general, the medicines that we recommended above for the tourist’s basic first aid kit do not cause problems when crossing the border. They are also sold in pharmacies without a prescription. However, if you are going to take a prescription drug with you, it is best to take that prescription with you when you travel.
Important: on the prescription form must be the signature of the doctor and the seal of the medical institution, as well as the name of the active substance in Latin (not the trade name of the drug, but the active substance) and an indication in what doses to take it.
If you still have questions about the import of a particular drug, it is better to contact the consulate of the country in which you are going to rest – they will tell you exactly what you can and cannot bring.
Is it possible to buy Russian prescription medicine abroad?
If the name of the active ingredient in the prescription is in Latin, you can try to buy the right medicine in a pharmacy in another country. However, there are countries that restrict such sales – in this case, you will have to visit a doctor abroad to write you a new prescription.
If we are talking about drugs that are on the list of specially controlled drugs (psychotropic, potent, narcotic), most likely, a thorough examination by a foreign doctor or a certificate translated into English and notarized will be required. That is why it is better to take such medicines with you and declare at the border – as a result, there will be fewer problems. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that it is usually allowed to import small doses of drugs “from a special list” – for a maximum of 2-3 months of use.
Is it possible to buy an analogue of a Russian medicine abroad?
Answer: Yes, if the medicine is sold without a prescription abroad. It can be an antipyretic or mild pain reliever, as well as medicine for flu and colds. The main thing in this case is to know the name of the active substance (preferably in Latin) or the international name of the drug. It should be reported to the pharmacist (you can show a paper with the name), and in most cases he will select a foreign analogue of the Russian medicine.
For example, in Turkey, instead of the usual Nurofen, they can sell you Advil (Advil), but the active ingredient in both medicines is the same – ibuprofen.
How to find the right medicine in any country
Finding and buying the necessary analogue of a Russian medicine in another country is not as difficult as it seems. And certainly there will be no problems with the purchase if the medicine is commonly used and sold without a prescription. To do this, you need to look into the instructions for the domestic drug – in the Composition section, the main active ingredient is usually indicated.
Instructions are available online.
If you wish, you can go to the website of the State Register of Medicines of the Ministry of Health and enter the name of the medicine in the line “trade name”. The main active ingredient will be listed in the International Nonproprietary Name column.
Once you know the name of the active ingredient, translate it into the desired language (quite often you can skip this step – the name of the active ingredient in many instructions is initially indicated in Latin).
To purchase specific drugs, you will need prescription – from a Russian doctor (indicating the active ingredient in Latin) or from a foreign doctor.
Can I carry medicines and tablets in hand luggage?
Passengers are allowed to carry medicines in solid form in the form of tablets, dragees, granules and powders in hand luggage. If you are transporting drugs in the form of creams, ointments, potions, infusions, sprays or emulsions, they can only be brought into the cabin in containers up to 100 ml, and all available drugs in liquid and soft form must be packed in one transparent bag measuring 20 × 20 see
Children’s first aid kit on vacation: what should be in it
Heat, change of diet, flight, insect bites, overwork – any of these factors on vacation can cause a child to feel unwell.
In order not to run around foreign pharmacies in search of a banal antipyretic or diarrhea remedy (especially at night!) And feel calm on vacation, be sure to take the time and collect a first-aid kit for children.
What should be in a children’s first aid kit on vacation: 9019No zivin, Humer (nose drops), Chlorophyllipt (spray for sore throat), cough syrup (Gerbion for dry cough, Ambroxol for wet) We do not insist on the above numerical names of drugs – take those to which you are used to and which you usually use. For example, instead of Humer drops, you can take Aquamaris, and instead of Bepanten cream – Panthenol. An important point: we listed exactly 9 in the article0197 medicines , without mentioning cosmetic products that you will also need on vacation (for example, sunscreen or lotion). They will need to be collected separately./cholera-diagnosis-5ad8b5533de423003751cd09.png)
First aid for high fever in children
How to reduce fever?
