Definition

Dehydration is the lose of more fluid than you take in. It makes it hard or even impossible for your body to work as it should. Drinking fluids can help mild dehydration. Severe dehydration needs immediate medical care.

Causes

To work properly, the body requires a certain amount of fluid and other elements, called electrolytes. Water is lost through normal body function like sweat, urine, bowel movements, and breathing. Drinking and eating helps to replace these fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration can occur if there is excess loss of fluids, poor intake of fluids, or a combination of both.

Severe diarrhea and vomiting is the most common cause of dehydration in young children. Older adults have a lower amount of water in their bodies. Medical conditions or medicine can further lower fluids in their bodies.

Risk Factors

Dehydration is more common in young children and older adults.

Other factors that may increase the chances of dehydration:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• High fever
• Exposure to the heat and sun
• Excessive exercise or sweating such as during athletic games
• Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Medications, including diuretics and laxatives
• Urinating more often
• Reduced fluid intake due to certain conditions such as movement problems, mental health or memory problems, and decreased ability to perceive thirst
• Fluid imbalance caused by certain conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, burns, and infection

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the degree of dehydration. Symptoms may include:

• Dry mouth
• Limited tear production
• Thirst
• Weakness
• Decreased urination
• Concentrated urine—darker color, stronger odor
• Wrinkled skin or dry skin
• Parched, cracked lips
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fast breathing
• Weight loss
• In infants, sunken soft spot in the skull or no wet diapers for 3 or more hours

Dehydration can be extremely serious and life threatening. It may require immediate medical care.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Urine and blood tests may be done to look for cause of infection.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to replace the fluids in the body. A cause will also be treated if it is known.

Treatment may include:

Prevention

To help reduce the chances of dehydration:

• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day.
• Drink in small sips throughout the day if you are sick.
• Drink fluids regularly while exercising or when outdoors on a hot day. Stop often for fluid breaks.