What should you know about for dehydration what to drink?

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it replaces. Water is suitable for ordinary mild fluid loss, while an oral rehydration solution is useful when vomiting or diarrhoea has also removed salts and sugar needed for absorption. Dark urine, a dry mouth, thirst, dizziness and passing urine less often can be clues. Dehydration may accompany gastroenteritis or heat exhaustion, and fluid needs can differ for children, older adults and people with heart or kidney conditions.

Sip steadily rather than drinking a large amount quickly, particularly if you feel sick. Use a pharmacy oral rehydration product exactly as directed. Continue breastfeeding for an infant and ask a clinician about fluids for a young child. Avoid relying on alcohol, and be cautious with very sugary drinks because they may worsen diarrhoea. Once drinking is easier, return gradually to usual meals and include fluid-rich foods. Do not force large volumes if a clinician has prescribed a fluid restriction.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, inability to keep fluids down, or very little or no urine. Seek prompt advice for a child with few wet nappies, no tears or unusual sleepiness. Arrange assessment if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, dizziness does not settle, or urine remains dark despite drinking. Fever, side pain, burning urine or blood in urine may point to another problem rather than simple dehydration.

Ask which rehydration product and amount suit your age, symptoms and medical history. Explain how much you are drinking, how often you urinate and whether you have vomiting, diarrhoea, heat exposure or new urinary symptoms. Read about [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/), [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) and [Constipation](/symptoms/constipation/) for related clues.