Fluid therapy for dehydration

Mild dehydration may improve with frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution that contains water and salts in a balanced form. Vomiting, diarrhoea, heat exposure, or an illness such as Gastroenteritis can make losses faster than intake. Dark Urine, a dry mouth, dizziness, headache, tiredness, and passing urine less often can be clues, although symptoms vary.

Intravenous fluids place fluid directly into a vein and may be considered when someone cannot drink, is losing fluid quickly, or has signs of significant dehydration. The amount and type should be selected by a clinician, especially with kidney or heart problems.

Sip steadily and increase intake slowly after vomiting. Oral rehydration solution can be useful after substantial fluid loss; follow the product instructions and do not make it stronger than directed. Continue suitable food as tolerated. Avoid relying on alcohol, and seek advice before using sports drinks for a child or a person with a medical condition. Cloudy Urine or constipation may have causes other than dehydration.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little or no urine, rapid breathing, or worsening dizziness. Seek prompt assessment after heat exposure if symptoms do not settle with cooling and fluids. Severe pain with blood in the urine, or symptoms suggesting Urinary Tract Infection or Kidney Stones, also needs medical review.

Ask which fluid is appropriate, how much to take, how to adjust during vomiting or diarrhoea, and whether your medicines or kidney function affect the plan. Ask what signs mean oral treatment is not enough and an assessment is needed.