Dehydration in Adults and Children Over 12

Call 911
if the person has:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry skin, mouth, and mucous membranes
• Little or no urination for 12 hours or more
• Increased heart rate and breathing
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, or change in mental status
• Dehydration due to heat stroke

1. Replace Fluids

For mild dehydration or while waiting for medical care for an adult with severe dehydration that is not due to heat stroke:

• The person should try to drink 2 quarts of fluid, such as water, juice, or sports drinks (clear fluids, best), in 2 to 4 hours. But it is better to drink small amounts of fluid often (sips every few minutes), because drinking too much fluid at once can induce vomiting.
• The person should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to replace lost fluids.
• If the person is elderly, fluid replacement may need to be done slowly. Consult a doctor.
• If the person is vomiting, try ice chips, popsicles, and small sips of fluid.
• If the person is recovering from diarrhea, consider that some sports drinks contain a lot of sugar, which can worsen diarrhea.

2. When to Call a Doctor for Mild Dehydration

Seek medical help if:

• The person’s symptoms get worse or don't improve within 24 hours.
• The person is elderly.
• You think a prescription medication such as a diuretic caused the dehydration.

3. Follow Up

• For mild dehydration, the person should rest for 24 hours and keep drinking fluids, even if symptoms improve. Fluid replacement may take up to a day and a half.
• If dehydration is moderate to severe, fluids may need to be replaced intravenously (IV) in the hospital.

SOURCES:

Kaiser Permanente: "Dehydration." "Dehydration: Home Treatment."

University of Maryland Medical Center: "Dehydration and Heat Stroke."

Journal of the National Medical Association: "Dehydration in the Elderly: A Short Review."

U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: "Dehydration."