How is dehydration treated?

For mild dehydration, drink small, frequent amounts of water or an oral rehydration solution. Oral rehydration solutions contain a measured balance of water and salts to help the gut absorb fluid, especially after vomiting or diarrhoea. Treating the trigger may involve managing fever, replacing fluids lost in heat, or getting advice for an illness that limits drinking.

Dark urine, excessive thirst, dizziness, fatigue, generalised weakness, constipation or cloudy urine can occur with dehydration, but symptoms can have other causes. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, urine and overall condition. Severe dehydration may require fluids through a vein and observation.

Sip regularly rather than waiting until thirst is strong. If vomiting is present, pause briefly after vomiting and restart with very small sips. Use an oral rehydration product prepared exactly as directed; avoid relying on very sugary drinks or alcohol. During hot weather or exercise, take breaks, move to a cooler place and replace fluids steadily.

Older adults, babies, people with kidney or heart problems and anyone unable to drink can become unwell more quickly. Ask a clinician which fluids are suitable if you have a condition that limits salt or fluid intake.

Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, severe dizziness, very little or no urine, inability to keep fluids down, rapid breathing, marked weakness or worsening drowsiness. Urgent assessment is also needed after significant heat exposure or when a child, older adult or medically vulnerable person is deteriorating.

Ask which rehydration fluid is appropriate, how much to take in small amounts, whether your medicines need review during illness and what signs mean you need urgent treatment. Ask how to prevent dehydration recurring if vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or heat exposure is a repeated problem.