Dehydration is when the body loses too much water and needed minerals (electrolytes).

Signs & Symptoms

For Severe Dehydration

• Severe thirst (sometimes).

• Sunken and dry eyes. Tearless eyes. (Infants may not show this sign.)

• Dry mouth, tongue, and lips.

• No urine or a low amount of urine that is dark yellow.

• Sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on an infant’s head).

• Headache. Feeling lightheaded, especially when getting up quickly.

• Dry skin that doesn’t spring back when pinched.

• Feeling dizzy. Confusion. Severe weakness.

• Increase in breathing and heart rate.

• The body does not get enough fluids for it’s needs.

• Too much water or other body fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium are lost. This can result from: Repeated episodes of diarrhea and/or vomiting; heavy sweating; heat exhaustion; or heat stroke.

Treatment

Fluids and electrolytes must be replaced. If this can’t be done by mouth, they are given through an IV solution.

Do any of these problems occur?

• Signs of severe dehydration.

• A child or person has been left in a hot car or other hot, enclosed place and has any of the signs listed at left.

• After being in hot conditions, 2 or more signs of heat exhaustion.

• If vomiting isn’t present, adults and children over age 12 should drink about 2 cups of fluid per hour. Fluids of choice are: Sports drinks; flat cola; clear sodas; broths; popsicles; and gelatin.

• If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke, you should find out what fluids your doctor prefers you take when you need to replace lost fluids.

• For children under 2 years old, consult your child’s doctor about the amount and type of fluid to give. Ask your child’s doctor about using over-the-counter products that give fluid and electrolytes. Examples are Pedialyte and Infalyte.

• For children over 2 years old, give up to 1¹/₂ quarts of fluid per day.