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Dehydration
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, preventing it from functioning properly.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a condition caused by the loss of too much fluid from the body. It happens when you are losing more fluids than you are taking in, and your body does not have enough fluids to work properly.

What Causes Dehydration?

You can become dehydrated because of:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating too much
  • Urinating too much, which can happen because of certain medicines and illnesses
  • Fever
  • Not drinking enough water or other fluids

Who is More Likely to Develop Dehydration?

  • Older adults, who may lose their sense of thirst as they age.
  • Infants and young children, who are more likely to have diarrhea or vomiting.
  • People with chronic illnesses that cause them to urinate or sweat more often, such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or kidney problems.
  • People who take medicines that cause them to urinate or sweat more.
  • People who exercise or work outdoors during hot weather.

Symptoms

In Adults

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Dry mouth
  • Urinating and sweating less than usual
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Dry skin
  • Feeling tired
  • Dizziness

In Infants and Young Children

  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Crying without tears
  • No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
  • A high fever
  • Being unusually sleepy or drowsy
  • Irritability
  • Eyes that look sunken

Dehydration can be mild, or it can be severe enough to be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if the symptoms also include confusion, fainting, lack of urination, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, or shock.

Diagnosis

To find out if you have dehydration, your health care provider will do a physical exam, check your vital signs, and ask about your symptoms. They may also order tests, such as:

  • Blood tests to check your electrolyte levels (minerals with an electric charge that help balance fluids) and kidney function.
  • Urine tests to check for dehydration and its cause.

Treatment & Management

The treatment for dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you have lost.

  • Mild cases: Drink lots of water. If you lost electrolytes, sports drinks may help. Oral rehydration solutions are available for children without a prescription.
  • Severe cases: May be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids with salt in a hospital.

Prevention

  • Drink enough water every day. Ask your health care provider how much you should be drinking.
  • Avoid drinks that have sugar and caffeine.
  • Drink extra fluids when the weather is hot, especially if you are exercising or working outside.
  • Get extra fluids when you are sick. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, try taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

In infants, look for specific physical markers rather than verbal complaints. Key signs include dry mouth and tongue, crying without producing tears, and eyes that appear sunken. A critical indicator is the number of wet diapers; if there are no wet diapers for three hours or more, it suggests significant fluid loss. Additionally, observe for unusual sleepiness, irritability, or a high fever, which can accompany dehydration. If you notice these signs, especially in combination, seek medical attention promptly.
Plain water helps replace lost fluids but does not replenish the electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) that are lost through sweat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are specifically formulated to contain the right balance of water, salts, and sugars to maximize absorption in the gut. For mild dehydration, plain water may suffice, but for dehydration caused by significant fluid loss like diarrhea or vomiting, ORS is more effective at restoring electrolyte balance and preventing complications like hyponatremia.
If an adult shows signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, fainting, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, or a complete lack of urination, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to treat severe dehydration at home with oral fluids alone, as the person may be unable to keep fluids down or may be in shock. While waiting for help, keep the person lying down in a cool place and monitor their breathing. Mild to moderate dehydration can often be managed at home with oral rehydration solutions, but severe cases require intravenous fluids in a medical setting.
People with diabetes are at higher risk because high blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to excrete more glucose and water, leading to increased urination. This can lead to dehydration more quickly than in individuals without diabetes. Furthermore, some medications used to manage diabetes or other conditions may increase fluid loss. Dehydration in diabetics can also worsen blood sugar control, creating a dangerous cycle. It is essential for these individuals to monitor their fluid intake closely and report any signs of reduced urination or extreme thirst to their healthcare provider immediately.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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