Severe dehydration

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Severe dehydration

By the time a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to vital organs. Shock, which is a life-threatening condition, can develop quickly.

A severely dehydrated person may not be able to cooperate or communicate.

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 urine for 12 hours or longer.
Loss of consciousness.

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	July 6, 2007

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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

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