What are the alternatives to IV fluid therapy?

Oral rehydration therapy replaces water and important salts through the digestive system. It may suit mild or moderate dehydration when the person is alert, able to swallow and keeping fluids down. Plain water alone may not replace lost salts after heavy diarrhoea or vomiting.

IV fluid therapy delivers fluid into a vein when drinking is unsafe, ineffective or too slow. The decision depends on examination, circulation, urine output, ongoing losses and the illness causing them. Sepsis, cholera and severe dehydration need prompt medical assessment rather than a home alternative.

Take frequent small sips of an appropriate rehydration solution and continue if you can keep it down. Follow the product directions, and record vomiting, diarrhoea, urine output and worsening dizziness. Treating the trigger, such as an infection, may be as important as replacing fluid.

Do not force drinks into someone who is confused, very drowsy or unable to swallow. Information about Oral Rehydration Therapy can help you understand the approach, while IV Fluid Therapy explains when intravenous treatment is considered.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, very little urine, severe weakness, cold or clammy skin, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, breathing difficulty or worsening dizziness. A person with severe thirst, nausea or signs of shock may need assessment even if they have tried drinking.

Can I rehydrate by mouth safely? Which solution and amount should I use? What signs show that oral treatment is failing, and how should my underlying illness be treated?