How can you effectively treat dehydration at home. What are the signs of severe dehydration that require medical attention. When should you seek immediate medical help for a dehydrated child. How can you prevent dehydration in various situations.

Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the normal balance of water and electrolytes. This condition can result from various factors, including excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications that increase urination. Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration is crucial for timely intervention and proper treatment.

Common symptoms of dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Reduced urine output
• Dark yellow urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache

In more severe cases, dehydration can lead to:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Sunken eyes
• Lack of skin elasticity

Oral Rehydration Therapy: The First Line of Defense

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the primary treatment for mild to moderate dehydration. This method involves replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes through the consumption of specially formulated solutions or appropriate fluids.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Can you use store-bought oral rehydration solutions for treating dehydration? Yes, over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions like Hydralyte and Pedialyte are excellent choices for treating dehydration. These products contain the right balance of water, salts, and sugar to effectively replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

Homemade Rehydration Options

While commercial ORS are preferred, you can also use other fluids to combat dehydration:

• Water (the primary choice for mild dehydration)
• Diluted fruit juices
• Crushed fruit mixed with water
• Clear broths or soups

Is it safe to make your own oral rehydration solution at home? It’s generally not recommended to make your own ORS, as the balance of electrolytes is crucial. Instead, stick to commercially available products or natural alternatives mentioned above.

Fluid Replacement Strategies for Different Age Groups

The approach to fluid replacement varies depending on the age of the dehydrated individual.

For Infants and Young Children

How should you rehydrate a dehydrated baby or young child? For infants and young children, use an oral rehydration solution specifically designed for pediatric use. Start with small amounts, about a teaspoon (5 ml) every 1-5 minutes, and gradually increase as tolerated. For breastfed babies, continue nursing while supplementing with ORS.

For Older Children and Adults

Older children and adults with mild dehydration can often improve their condition by increasing fluid intake. Water is the best choice, but sports drinks diluted with water (1:1 ratio) can also be effective, especially after intense physical activity.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Dehydration

While mild dehydration can often be treated at home, severe cases require immediate medical attention. Recognize these warning signs that indicate the need for professional medical care:

• No urination for 8 hours or more
• Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Persistent vomiting preventing oral rehydration

Special Considerations for Children

For children, additional signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Lack of tears when crying
• Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) in infants
• Cold and blotchy hands and feet

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Dehydration

In cases of severe dehydration or when oral rehydration is not possible, more advanced treatment methods may be necessary.

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Therapy

How does IV fluid therapy work for severe dehydration? Intravenous fluid therapy involves administering fluids directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This method allows for rapid rehydration and electrolyte replacement, especially in cases where oral intake is not possible or sufficient.

Hospitalization

Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for close monitoring and treatment. This is particularly important for infants, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions that may complicate recovery.

Preventing Dehydration in Various Situations

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dehydration. Here are some strategies to maintain proper hydration in different scenarios:

During Physical Activity

How can athletes and active individuals prevent dehydration? To prevent dehydration during exercise or in hot weather:

• Drink water before, during, and after physical activity
• Consider sports drinks for prolonged, intense exercise
• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day

In Illness

During illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhea:

• Sip small amounts of fluid frequently
• Use oral rehydration solutions
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Eat easily digestible foods when possible

For Vulnerable Populations

How can you ensure proper hydration for infants, elderly, and chronically ill individuals? For these vulnerable groups:

• Offer fluids regularly, even if they don’t express thirst
• Monitor urine output and color
• Be aware of medications that may increase fluid loss
• Adjust fluid intake based on activity level and environment

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Hydration

There are several myths surrounding hydration and dehydration that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Let’s address some of these misconceptions:

Myth: You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day

Is it true that everyone needs to drink exactly 8 glasses of water daily? No, this is a common misconception. While it’s a good general guideline, individual hydration needs vary based on factors such as age, activity level, climate, and overall health. Many people get adequate hydration from a combination of beverages and water-rich foods.

Myth: Thirst is an Adequate Indicator of Dehydration

Can you rely solely on thirst to determine your hydration status? Not always. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be mildly dehydrated. This is especially true for older adults and during intense physical activity. It’s better to maintain regular fluid intake throughout the day.

Myth: Coffee and Tea Always Dehydrate You

Do caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea contribute to dehydration? While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, moderate consumption of coffee and tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, water remains the best choice for staying hydrated.

The Role of Electrolytes in Hydration

Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration and bodily functions. Understanding their importance can help in more effective management of dehydration.

Key Electrolytes and Their Functions

What are the main electrolytes involved in hydration? The primary electrolytes important for hydration include:

• Sodium: Regulates fluid balance and blood pressure
• Potassium: Essential for proper heart, muscle, and nerve function
• Chloride: Helps maintain proper fluid balance
• Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function
• Calcium: Crucial for bone health and muscle contraction

Balancing Electrolytes During Rehydration

How can you ensure proper electrolyte balance when treating dehydration? When rehydrating, especially after intense exercise or illness, it’s important to replenish both fluids and electrolytes. This is why sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are effective – they contain a balanced mix of water and essential electrolytes.

For mild dehydration, consuming a balanced diet alongside water intake can help maintain electrolyte balance. Foods rich in electrolytes include:

• Bananas (potassium)
• Yogurt (calcium, potassium)
• Leafy greens (magnesium, calcium)
• Nuts and seeds (magnesium)
• Pickles or olives (sodium)

Dehydration in Special Circumstances

Certain situations or conditions can increase the risk of dehydration or require special considerations in treatment.

Dehydration at High Altitudes

Why is dehydration more likely at high altitudes? At higher elevations, the air is drier and the body loses more water through respiration and increased urination. To prevent dehydration in these conditions:

• Increase fluid intake before and during your stay at high altitude
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
• Be aware of signs of altitude sickness, which can be exacerbated by dehydration

Dehydration in Endurance Athletes

How can endurance athletes effectively manage hydration during long events? For athletes participating in prolonged physical activities:

• Start hydrating well before the event
• Develop a hydration strategy that includes both water and electrolyte replacement
• Monitor urine color and output as indicators of hydration status
• Be cautious of overhydration, which can lead to hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels)

Dehydration in Chronic Illnesses

Certain chronic conditions can increase the risk of dehydration or complicate its treatment. These include:

• Diabetes: Can lead to increased urination and fluid loss
• Kidney disease: May affect the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance
• Heart failure: Can lead to fluid retention, complicating hydration management

In these cases, it’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to develop appropriate hydration strategies.

Technological Advances in Hydration Monitoring

Recent technological developments have introduced new ways to monitor hydration status, potentially improving prevention and management of dehydration.

Wearable Hydration Sensors

How do wearable hydration sensors work? Some advanced wearable devices now claim to measure hydration levels through skin conductivity or bioimpedance analysis. While promising, these technologies are still evolving and should be used in conjunction with traditional methods of assessing hydration.

Smartphone Apps for Hydration Tracking

Can smartphone apps help prevent dehydration? Several apps are available that can help users track their fluid intake and set reminders to drink water. While these can be useful tools for developing good hydration habits, they should be used as supplements to, not replacements for, listening to your body’s signals.

Long-term Effects of Chronic Dehydration

While acute dehydration can be quickly addressed, chronic dehydration can have serious long-term health implications.

Impact on Kidney Function

How does chronic dehydration affect the kidneys? Prolonged inadequate hydration can increase the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, it may contribute to chronic kidney disease.

Cognitive Effects

Can dehydration impact cognitive function? Yes, even mild dehydration can affect cognitive performance, including attention, memory, and mood. Chronic dehydration may potentially contribute to long-term cognitive decline.

Cardiovascular Health

Chronic dehydration can strain the cardiovascular system by reducing blood volume and increasing blood viscosity. This can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure over time.

Maintaining proper hydration is not just about quenching thirst or treating acute conditions. It’s a crucial aspect of overall health that impacts numerous bodily functions. By understanding the complexities of hydration and dehydration, individuals can make informed decisions about their fluid intake and seek appropriate treatment when necessary. Remember, while general guidelines are helpful, individual hydration needs can vary. Listening to your body, monitoring your fluid intake, and being aware of the signs of dehydration are key steps in maintaining optimal hydration and overall health.

Dehydration Treatment – Oral Rehydration Therapy and Fluid Replacement

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Is Drinking Water Enough?
• What to Do for a Dehydrated Child

You can become dehydrated for many different reasons. It could be from sweating too much. Vomiting or diarrhea can quickly remove fluids from your body, too. So can medicines that make you pee a lot.

All of these things can cause you to lose more water and electrolytes (essential minerals in your blood and body fluids) than are good for you. If you don’t have enough, your body has trouble doing the things it’s supposed to do.

There’s really only one way to treat dehydration — replace the fluids and electrolytes your body has lost.

For a mild case, it should be enough just to drink plenty of fluids. Water is your first choice, but there are lots of special drinks on the market that will help you replace your body’s lost water and electrolytes.

If you can’t get a pre-mixed rehydration solution, don’t try to make one yourself. Instead, replace lost fluids naturally with sips of water, fruit juice, crushed fruit mixed with water, or salty soups or broths.

Fruit juices may upset your stomach, so it’s best to dilute them with water. Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic drinks. They’re diuretics, which means they can dehydrate you more because they all pull water from your body.

If your dehydration is serious, you may need to see a doctor to get treated with intravenous (IV) fluids. Severe dehydration may require you to go to the hospital. You should get medical attention immediately if you:

• Haven’t peed in 8 hours
• Have had a seizure
• Are disoriented or confused
• Have a weak or rapid pulse
• Feel very tired
• Feel dizzy when you stand
• Are too sick (nauseated or vomiting) to take in fluids

If your baby or child becomes dehydrated (usually because of a fever, vomiting or diarrhea), treatment with an oral rehydration solution is your best bet. There are several over-the-counter options (Hydralyte and Pedialyte), which will give your child the right balance of electrolytes and salts.

Try giving small sips or by the teaspoon to begin with. You may even need to use a syringe if they’re having trouble drinking. For an older child, sports drinks diluted with water are the best treatment. Again, start with small sips and give them more as they show they can tolerate it.

For an infant, give plenty of breast milk and formula, but don’t give fruit juices if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. They can make it worse.

Dehydration can be serious in a baby or young child. If you notice these signs, see a doctor right away:

• Extreme sleepiness
• Less responsive than usual
• Few wet diapers
• Cold and blotchy hands and feet
• No tears when crying
• Dark yellow pee
• Very dry mouth

Usually, dehydration is easy to treat at home if you get out of the heat and drink plenty of liquids. But once you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated, so it’s best to drink plenty of fluids regularly.

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Dehydration – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor can often diagnose dehydration on the basis of physical signs and symptoms. If you’re dehydrated, you’re also likely to have low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying to a standing position, a faster than normal heart rate and reduced blood flow to your extremities.

To help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the degree of dehydration, you may have other tests, such as:

• Blood tests. Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working.
• Urinalysis. Tests done on your urine can help show whether you’re dehydrated and to what degree. They also can check for signs of a bladder infection.

More Information

Treatment

The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and lost electrolytes. The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, the severity of dehydration and its cause.

For infants and children who have become dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.

Start with about a teaspoon (5 milliliters) every one to five minutes and increase as tolerated. It may be easier to use a syringe for very young children. Older children can be given diluted sports drinks. Use 1 part sports drink to 1 part water.

Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever can improve their condition by drinking more water or other liquids. Diarrhea may be worsened by full-strength fruit juice and soft drinks.

If you work or exercise outdoors during hot or humid weather, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution also may be helpful.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency personnel arriving in an ambulance or in a hospital emergency room. Salts and fluids delivered through a vein (intravenously) are absorbed quickly and speed recovery.

Preparing for your appointment

You’re likely to start by seeing your or your child’s doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, the doctor may recommend urgent medical care. If you, your child or an adult who you care for is showing signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy or reduced responsiveness, seek immediate care at a hospital.

If you have time to prepare for your appointment, here’s some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you or the person you’re caring for is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. If you or the person you’re caring for has been vomiting or has had diarrhea, the doctor will want to know when it began and how frequently it’s been occurring.
• Write down key personal information, including any recent trips taken or foods recently eaten that might have caused illness. In addition, your doctor will want to know if you or the person you’re caring for has recently been exposed to anyone with diarrhea.
• Make a list of key medical information, including other conditions you or the person you’re caring for is being treated for and the names of the medications being taken. Include on your list prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any vitamins and supplements.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For dehydration, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

• What’s causing these symptoms?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• How soon after treatment will there be improvement?
• Are there any activity or dietary restrictions?
• Is there anything I can do to prevent a recurrence of dehydration?
• I have other health conditions. Do I need to change the treatments I’ve been using for them?
• What steps can I take to prevent dehydration from happening again?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did the symptoms begin? What were you doing?
• Are you able to keep down any food or drink?
• How recently have you urinated? Are you experiencing any pain or urgency with urination?
• Do you also have other signs or symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, fever, headache or muscle aches? How severe are these signs and symptoms?
• Has there been blood in your stools?
• Have you recently eaten any food that you suspect was spoiled?
• Has anyone gotten sick after eating the same food that you did?
• Have you recently been exposed to someone who you know was experiencing diarrhea?
• Have you been coughing or had a runny nose?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• Have you recently traveled to another country?
• Do you know what your or your child’s weight was before symptoms started?

11 signs that your body is dehydrated (and how to fix it)

The summer of 2021 turned out to be abnormally hot — in the central part of Russia, the temperature exceeded the norm by 5-7 degrees. In such heat, the body actively removes fluid, and it needs to be replenished. If you ignore this fact, you can face dehydration – a serious disease in both adults and children.

Signs of dehydration

• Respiratory problems. Asthma and allergies are among the main symptoms of dehydration. This is because with the loss of a large amount of fluid, the protection of the mucous membranes decreases. Because of this, the child may choke, actively sneeze and cough.

• High blood pressure. An insidious symptom that does not manifest itself actively at the beginning. It can result in headaches, darkening of the eyes, nosebleeds. This is due to the fact that the amount of water in the blood decreases, and it begins to move more slowly.

• Weight gain. Cells especially need energy, which they can take from water filled with hydrogen. If the body lacks moisture, it has to replenish energy from another source – food, and very high-calorie food, because it contains the most energy.

• High cholesterol. Cholesterol is actively released during dehydration and literally “freezes” the cells so that they stop losing water. Cholesterol levels can only be determined using a blood test, so do not forget about a systematic health check-up.

• Skin diseases. The lack of the right amount of water affects the retention of toxins inside the body, which can cause problems such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis.

• Digestive disorders. Ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux are the consequences of poor food processing. The body stops producing enough digestive juices because it contains little water and the digestive system cannot function fully ( read also : 5 Good Digestion Exercises You Can Do Every Day).

• Problems with stool. Poor functioning of the digestive tract and, as a result, constipation and other disorders are also associated with a small amount of water in the body. Refusal to drink quality water can lead to the immobilization of waste products inside the large intestine.

• Pain in the joints. The cartilaginous pad that sits between the joints and prevents them from rubbing against each other becomes thinner due to lack of water. Then the friction increases, which leads to pain.

• Bladder or kidney problems. As with the skin, the body is unable to remove toxins from the organs, which contributes to infections, inflammation and pain. Increasing the level of fluid in the body to the required rate will eliminate this problem.

• Premature aging. This is what the older generation is facing. Skin discoloration and early wrinkles occur due to lack of moisture in the body. But this is also true for those who are expecting a baby. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of healthy water from natural sources or liquids filled with hydrogen.

• Increased fatigue. Children’s activity in the summer, combined with the heat, can lead to dehydration. This process occurs at the chemical level – the reactions in the cells slow down, the child simply cannot be active. Therefore, you should not blame the child for laziness in such a situation.

How to deal with dehydration?

It is best to avoid folk prescriptions from the Internet and consult a doctor immediately . But the first aid immediately after discovering the problem is drinking plenty of water. To enhance the benefits, it is better to drink hydrogen water: it improves metabolism and helps beneficial substances to penetrate quickly and in full ( see also : Filtered, bottled or boiled: what is the healthiest water).

Do not turn a blind eye to the above signs, the consequences can be serious – from loss of consciousness to hospitalization. Self-medication can be harmful to the child, since only a doctor can determine whether it is necessary to restore salt metabolism.

Dehydration is often experienced not only because of the use of small amounts of water, but also because of its poor quality. The indicators of bottled water do not correspond to the parameters of the body, do not make it useful and do not protect against dehydration. Thanks to hydrogen water, the body is filled with antioxidants that protect the organs from harmful bacteria, and the cell membrane works efficiently – through it, useful substances completely get inside. A full-fledged work of all organs will be the key to a stable emotional state of the child and his good mood.

Dehydration in children

Changes in mood and emotional “swings” are signs of dehydration (dehydration) in children, since the body does not receive enough fluid, physiological processes are of poor quality, the child feels discomfort. Children lose fluid much faster than adults, because their system of water-salt metabolism is not so well established. Therefore, experts advise monitoring how often your child drinks and whether he uses quality water.

Not all liquids will be good for children. The body tends to perceive water with the same parameters as its own: redox potential (ORP), surface tension and the amount of active hydrogen. These factors in bottled water will not be equivalent to our body fluids, so it is important to drink water from natural sources or hydrogen water. Store-bought juices and lemonades are best excluded from the children’s diet.

The child constantly asks for water – is it worth sounding the alarm?

The desire to drink is quite natural, especially in the heat. To identify dehydration, you need to identify more significant signs that many do not even notice. My patients admitted that they did not even suspect that they were suffering from dehydration, and did not correlate the symptoms with this disease.

Thirst and dehydration are different things: the first is the need of the body, dehydration is a violation of the normal functioning of our organs, the most important of which consist of more than 75% water. Reducing the volume of water even by 2% will affect the well-being and normal life processes of the child.

Does pregnancy increase the risk of dehydration?

When a woman is pregnant, her body expends energy not only to maintain its condition, but also to develop and protect the fetus. Frequent urination and toxicosis in the early stages accelerate the process of removing fluid from the body.

The consequences can range from minor ailments to more serious things: disruption of the position of the fetus and the formation of the placenta, thickening of the blood, and even premature birth if dehydration caught up with you at a later date. Therefore, women who are expecting a baby should pay special attention to the right amount of healthy water in the body, which can be obtained thanks to ionizers.

Therapist-nutritionist, author of the body cleansing and detoxification program, member of the PreventAge association of doctors of preventive and anti-aging medicine, co-founder of the Vione water ionizer brand.

Photo: Getty Images

Scientists: If you’re thirsty, it means you’re already dehydrated this may occur for a banal reason: you drink little water. How the body hints at this, and what insufficient fluid intake can lead to, nutritionists said.

July 27, 2019

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An obvious sign that the body does not have enough water is thirst. However, if you are thirsty, it means that the body is already beginning to experience dehydration. This condition is best prevented. It is believed that by default you need to drink 8 glasses of water per day (two liters). But experts say that there are no identical recipes for everyone. The main guideline is the color of the urine, which should be light yellow. If it’s darker, it’s time to drink.

See also

Insufficient water intake can lead to dry skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea and restless sleep. Craving for sweets may not be due to the desire for something tasty, but to the fact that the level of glycogen has decreased. This carbohydrate accumulates in the muscles and when dehydrated, the body consumes it more actively. Therefore, after sports training, you may suddenly want something carbohydrate – the usual sweet. But experts advise drinking water first: maybe you will crave candy later.

Another sign that you are not drinking enough water is bad breath. This is a consequence of the fact that little saliva is produced, which should clean the oral cavity and has a bactericidal effect. And if bacteria begin to multiply actively, the breath becomes stale.

Mood swings can also be attributed to lack of water. Dehydration causes irritability, an inability to concentrate, because water brings nutrients to the brain and flushes out toxins. If it is not there, then the brain has nothing to “reinforce itself”.

How do you remember to give your body enough water? You can set a timer, alarm clock or set a reminder on your phone, there are even special programs for smartphones. But if there is no water nearby, no bell will help.

Therefore, experts recommend placing a cup or bottle of water in the workplace and next to the bed. On the bottle, you can make serifs with time: how much water you need to drink by a certain time of the day. You can turn fluid intake into a game: linking to a specific action will allow you to develop a habit. A reliable way to maintain balance is to drink water immediately after going to the toilet.

If you do forget about the magic glass during the day, make sure you catch up at least at dinner. By the way, drinking before meals can save you from overeating.

To make the water taste better, it is recommended to add herbs such as mint or basil leaves. For a change, you can sometimes drink water with gas: purchased or carbonated at home.

See also

However, not all drinks are equally beneficial for hydrobalance. Alcohol is also served in a glass, but actually promotes dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, after drinking it, people begin to visit the toilet more often and believe that it is definitely not worth drinking additional water. But it’s not. Do not forget to drink water along with alcoholic drinks, without waiting for the morning “dry”.

Coffee, tea and energy drinks are weaker diuretics.