Dehydration

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Dehydration

Dehydration can occur when the body loses too much fluid.

Symptoms of mild dehydration include:

• Increased thirst.
• Dry mouth and sticky saliva.
• Reduced urine output with dark yellow urine.

Symptoms of moderate dehydration include:

• Extreme thirst.
• Dry appearance inside the mouth, and the eyes don't tear.
• Decreased urination, or half the number of urinations in 24 hours (usually 3 or fewer urinations). Urine is dark amber or brown.
• Lightheadedness that is relieved by lying down.
• Irritability or restlessness.
• Arms or legs that feel cool to the touch.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Muscle cramps.

Symptoms of severe dehydration (even if only one of them is present) include:

• Altered behavior, such as severe anxiety, confusion, or not being able to stay awake.
• Faintness that is not relieved by lying down, or lightheadedness that continues after standing for 2 minutes.
• Inability to stand or walk.
• Rapid breathing.
• Weak, rapid pulse.
• Cold, clammy skin or hot, dry skin.
• Little or no urination for 12 hours or longer.
• Loss of consciousness.

By the time a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to get blood to the vital organs. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Mild to moderate dehydration is treated at home by drinking more fluids. Treatment for moderate to severe dehydration may include IV fluids and a stay in the hospital.

Dehydration is very dangerous for babies, small children, and older adults. It is most dangerous for newborns. Watch closely for early symptoms anytime there is an illness that causes a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Credits

Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer