Dehydration treatment at home: what to know

Home care is generally reasonable when you are alert, able to drink, passing urine and have no severe symptoms. Fluid loss may follow heat, exercise, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or simply not drinking enough. Thirst, dry lips, headache, tiredness and darker urine can improve as fluids are replaced, but they do not prove that dehydration is the only problem.

Children, older adults and people with kidney or heart conditions can become unwell more quickly or need tailored fluid advice. Take extra care if the person cannot describe symptoms or relies on another person for drinks.

Rest in a cool place and take small sips at regular intervals. Use an oral rehydration solution as directed when vomiting or diarrhoea has caused fluid and salt loss. Continue light meals if tolerated, and avoid alcohol. Keep track of vomiting, diarrhoea, urine output and alertness. Do not force large volumes at once, and ask a clinician before increasing fluids if you have been given a fluid restriction.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, or very little or no urine. Get same-day advice if symptoms are worsening, fluid loss continues, there is a persistent fever or severe pain, or the affected person is a baby, older adult or has a significant medical condition. Heat-related symptoms that do not settle in a cool place need prompt assessment.

Ask which rehydration product suits the situation, how to manage vomiting or diarrhoea, and what change in urine, alertness or symptoms should trigger an appointment.