Dehydration Symptoms and Treatment
Your body needs fluids to operate properly. If you lose more than you take in, you’ll become dehydrated, which can affect your body’s ability to function. Some people are chronically dehydrated, but others develop the condition due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating and illnesses such as diabetes. While taking in fluids will rehydrate you, it’s not always possible to handle it yourself. If you are severely dehydrated, you’ll need to go to the emergency room for IV fluids and a diagnosis to determine the cause of the problem. Then, your doctor can treat the underlying condition so your body can maintain proper fluid levels.
Signs of Dehydration
A dehydration headache is often the first symptom that people notice. You also might have muscle cramps, feel lightheaded and experience rapid breathing. In addition, you’ll notice that your urine output has decreased.
These dehydration symptoms can typically be managed at home using a rehydration solution, such as a sports drink or Pedialyte. Unlike water, these beverages have electrolytes, so you can get back in balance.
You’ll need to slowly rehydrate by consuming two quarts of the Pedialyte or sports drink every four hours for the next 36 hours. Your symptoms should begin to dissipate within a few hours if you do this but continue hydrating for the full 36 hours.
Call 911 or Visit the ER with These Dehydration Symptoms
If you’re severely dehydrated, don’t try to manage it at home. Instead, you’ll need to visit the emergency room or call 911. Symptoms of severe fluid loss include:
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Faint feeling
- Passing out
- Bloody diarrhea
- Bloody vomit
- Abdominal swelling
- Inability to keep fluids down
Dehydration Treatment
IV fluids are commonly used to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Your physician will also monitor your kidneys, heart and blood pressure to ensure that the fluid loss hasn’t affected vital functions. In addition, your physician will need to diagnose the cause of the fluid loss. For example, undiagnosed diabetes could be leading to fluid loss. Once the underlying condition is treated, you’ll be less likely to become dehydrated again.
Risk Factors
Anyone can become dehydrated. However, some people are more at risk. Risk factors include:
- Age (children and older adults are at high risk)
- Chronic illnesses including diabetes and cystic fibrosis
- Certain medications
- Working or exercising in the heat
Dehydration can seem like a simple condition that you can treat at home. While that’s often the case, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, you could end up with kidney damage or another condition. Visit one of the five Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care’s locations if you need to replenish your fluids.
