What is good for dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it receives. Heat, sweating, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or difficulty drinking can cause it. Thirst, dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, dark urine or passing urine less often are warning clues. Dehydration can worsen constipation and may occur alongside Gastroenteritis or Heat Exhaustion; cloudy or dark urine can have other causes too.

Take frequent small sips of water and increase intake gradually. After diarrhoea or vomiting, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an oral rehydration solution is suitable, because it replaces salts as well as fluid. Rest somewhere cool if heat contributed, and avoid alcohol while recovering. Continue monitoring urine and alertness. People with kidney, heart or other fluid-related conditions should ask their clinician for an individual plan.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, rapid deterioration or signs of heat illness. Contact a clinician if diarrhoea or vomiting continues, urine stays dark despite drinking, or you have severe pain, fever or blood in vomit or stool. One-sided back pain with urinary symptoms may need assessment for a Kidney Stone or Urinary Tract Infection.

What caused my fluid loss? Is oral rehydration appropriate for me? How much should I drink with my medical conditions? Do my urine changes or bowel symptoms need testing?