What should you know about ss of dehydration?

Fluid loss can follow vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, heavy sweating, hot conditions, or difficulty drinking. Urine may become darker and less frequent, while the mouth and lips feel dry. Constipation can occur when the body has too little fluid, but constipation, [Cloudy Urine](/symptoms/cloudy-urine/), or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) can also have other causes. Severe dehydration may affect alertness, circulation, and kidney function.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, particularly if nausea makes larger drinks difficult. Continue suitable food when you can, and rest somewhere cool if heat or exertion contributed. During vomiting or diarrhoea, ask a pharmacist or clinician which rehydration product fits your situation. Do not rely on alcohol to replace fluid. People with kidney, heart, or other fluid-sensitive conditions should seek individual advice before increasing intake.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or rapid worsening. Get prompt advice if dehydration follows persistent diarrhoea or vomiting, heat exposure, or illness in a young child or older adult. Fever, burning urination, or loin pain may point to another problem such as a [Urinary Tract Infection](/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/) or [Kidney Stones](/conditions/kidney-stones/).

Ask what may be causing fluid loss, which drink is suitable, how to monitor urine and alertness, and whether [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) is being caused by [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/) or [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/).