About this topic
Dehydration happens when you lose too much fluid and water from the body. Your body needs water. It also needs other elements called electrolytes. You must have the right amount of both of these for the body to be able to work normally. You lose some fluids each day. This happens through sweat, urine, bowel movements, and breathing. If the water is not replaced, you can become dehydrated. This may be a serious health problem. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Try to drink small amounts of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes. Increase the amount as you are able to tolerate it.
- For the first 24 hours, drink clear fluids such as water, juice, or weak tea. Sports drinks like Gatorade ‚ ®, Vitamin Water, and Oxywater are good too. Stay away from drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- If you have loose bowel movements or are throwing up, try to drink more fluids if you can or when you are able.
- If you are throwing up and cannot drink fluids, suck on ice chips until your throwing up stops.
- If you are breastfeeding, keep feeding your baby.
What follow-up care is needed?
Some more tests may be needed based on your condition. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs based on your condition. Take your drugs as ordered. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may feel weak if you are still dehydrated. It is best to rest until you fully recover. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
If you have a heart or kidney problem and you are dehydrated, ask your doctor about how much liquid you can take. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day. Avoid drinks with caffeine like coffee or soda pop. These may make you pass urine more often.
- Eat foods high in water content such as fruits and vegetables.
- When you work out or play sports, drink water 30 minutes before starting. Drink small amounts of water during workouts and keep drinking liquids after working out.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Trouble keeping fluids down or you keep throwing up
- Dark yellow urine or problems passing urine
- Confusion or unclear thinking
- Feeling weak, very tired, or dizzy
- Fast heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how often I should try to drink fluids and good kinds of fluids to drink.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble keeping fluids down.
Where can I learn more?
Environmental Protection Agency ‚
http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/dehydration.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚