What should you know about check for dehydration?

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it replaces. Dark Urine, a dry tongue and passing urine less often can be useful clues, but urine colour is also affected by food, medicines and illness. Vomiting or diarrhoea from Gastroenteritis, sweating during Heat Exhaustion, and conditions such as a Urinary Tract Infection or Kidney Stones can change drinking and urination. Constipation may occur when stool contains too little water. Cloudy Urine has several possible causes and does not prove dehydration by itself.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, particularly after vomiting or diarrhoea. If nausea is present, try a sip every few minutes and increase gradually as it stays down. Continue suitable food when able. Infants, older adults and people with kidney, heart or other long-term conditions may need individual fluid advice, so check with a clinician before making a major change. Record how often the person urinates and whether alertness improves.

Get urgent help if someone is confused, fainting, difficult to wake, breathing unusually fast, unable to keep fluids down, or passing almost no urine. Seek prompt assessment for blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal or side pain, a very high temperature, or worsening weakness. A baby or frail older person can deteriorate quickly, so do not wait for thirst alone before seeking advice.

Ask which fluids are appropriate, whether an oral rehydration product is suitable, what amount of urine change matters, and whether vomiting, diarrhoea, heat exposure or another illness needs assessment.