On this page Show
Learn More
See, Play and Learn
SummaryWhat is dehydration?Dehydration is a condition caused by the loss of too much fluid from the body. It happens when you are losing more fluids than you are taking in, and your body does not have enough fluids to work properly. What causes dehydration?You can become dehydrated because of:
Who is at risk for dehydration?Certain people have a higher risk of dehydration:
What are the symptoms of dehydration?In adults, the symptoms of dehydration include:
In infants and young children, the symptoms of dehydration include:
Dehydration can be mild, or it can be severe enough to be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if the symptoms also include:
How is dehydration diagnosed?To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will:
You may also have:
What are the treatments for dehydration?The treatment for dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you have lost. For mild cases, you may just need to drink lots of water. If you lost electrolytes, sports drinks may help. There are also oral rehydration solutions for children. You can buy those without a prescription. Severe cases may be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids with salt in a hospital. Can dehydration be prevented?The key to preventing dehydration is making sure that you get enough fluids:
Start Here
How would you know if an infant is dehydrated?Dehydration occurs when an infant or child loses so much body fluid that they are not able to maintain ordinary function. The warning signs can include dry skin, tongue and lips, rapid breathing, fewer wet diapers and tearless crying.
What four 4 signs and symptoms might tell you a baby toddler is dehydrated?If your child has severe dehydration, they may be:. extremely thirsty.. lethargic or less active than usual.. pale and have sunken eyes, tears may be absent when crying.. cold – especially their hands or feet.. breathing faster than usual and have a fast heart rate.. irritable, drowsy or confused.. What are 3 warning signs of dehydration?Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include:. feeling thirsty and lightheaded.. a dry mouth.. tiredness.. having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine.. passing urine less often than usual.. What are the 5 signs of dehydration?Dehydration. feeling thirsty.. dark yellow, strong-smelling pee.. peeing less often than usual.. feeling dizzy or lightheaded.. feeling tired.. a dry mouth, lips and tongue.. sunken eyes.. |