What should you know about stages of dehydration?

Early dehydration may cause thirst, a dry mouth, headache, tiredness, dizziness, and urine that is darker or passed less often. As fluid loss continues, weakness, fast breathing, a rapid heartbeat, poor concentration, and reduced alertness can appear. Severe dehydration can affect circulation and kidney function.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, heavy sweating, hot weather, and difficulty drinking can all contribute. Dry lips alone do not show how severe dehydration is, and urine colour can change for reasons other than fluid loss. Children, older adults, and people with ongoing illness may worsen quickly.

Move to a cool place and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting or diarrhoea is present, oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts; follow the product directions. Continue suitable food when able, and avoid alcohol while recovering.

If a person cannot drink, keeps vomiting, or has a condition requiring fluid restriction, obtain medical advice rather than forcing fluids. Treating the cause, such as gastroenteritis or heat exhaustion, may be necessary.

Seek urgent medical care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little or no urine, fast breathing, severe dizziness, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Infants, older adults, and people with kidney or heart disease need a lower threshold for assessment. Call emergency services if someone is unconscious or difficult to wake.

Ask which rehydration drink is suitable, how to manage medicines during vomiting or diarrhoea, and what warning signs matter for your health conditions. Ask when urine output or symptoms should improve and whether testing is needed.