Your Health: Preventing Dehydration

Dehydration is when your body loses too much fluid or doesn't get enough fluid. You may get dehydrated when you don't drink enough water or you lose a lot of fluids because of diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.

Other things that may cause dehydration include:

  • Any illness with a fever, such as the flu.
  • Activities that cause heavy sweating, such as running or heavy outdoor work in hot or humid weather.
  • Certain medicines, such as cold or allergy medicines or diuretics.

Water and minerals called electrolytes help put your body fluids back in balance.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration may include:

  • Having a dry, sticky mouth.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
  • Passing less urine than usual.
  • Having a dry mouth and eyes.
  • Feeling dizzy or very tired.

Signs of severe dehydration may include:

  • Having an extremely dry mouth and eyes.
  • Passing little or no urine for 12 or more hours.
  • Feeling less alert or unable to think clearly.
  • Feeling too weak or dizzy to stand.
  • Passing out.

How can you treat it?

If you get dehydrated, take steps to care for yourself.

  • Stop any activity you're doing and rest.
  • Prop up your feet so they're higher than your heart.
  • Drink a rehydration drink, water, juice, or a sports drink to replace fluids and minerals.
  • If you're working or exercising outside, get out of direct sunlight. Lie down in a cool spot, such as in an air-conditioned area or in the shade. And take off any extra clothes.

Rest and take it easy for 24 hours, and keep drinking a lot of fluids.

When to call for help

Call your doctor now or get medical care right away if you have severe symptoms, such as:

  • Feeling confused, less alert, or unable to think clearly.
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like you may faint.
  • Having sunken eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Not being able to keep fluids down.

How can you prevent dehydration?

Be sure that you know the signs and the causes of dehydration. That way, you can take steps to prevent it.

Getting enough fluids

  • Add more fluids to your diet and daily routine, unless your doctor has told you not to. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • Drink more fluids when the weather is hot.
  • Drink plenty of water before, while, and after you are active. This is very important when it's hot out and when you do intense exercise.

Other ways to prevent dehydration

  • Avoid or limit alcohol, including beer and wine. They can make you dehydrated.
  • Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors.
  • Stop working outdoors or exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or very tired.