Introduction

If someone is dehydrated, contact a healthcare professional when you notice any of the following signs:

1. Continuous or severe vomiting lasting more than a day.
2. Fever exceeding 101°F.
3. Persistent diarrhea for over 2 days.
4. Unexplained weight loss.
5. Reduced urine output.
6. Confusion.
7. Weakness.

For immediate medical attention, act promptly if any of the following conditions occur:

1. Fever rising above 103°F.
2. Confusion.
3. Lethargy.
4. Severe headache.
5. Seizures.
6. Difficulty breathing.
7. Chest or abdominal pains.
8. Fainting.
9. No urination in the past 12 hours.

Self-Care at Home

If someone is experiencing dehydration, including those who are vomiting, assist them in rehydrating using these methods:

1. Encourage sipping small amounts of water.
2. Offer carbohydrate/electrolyte-containing beverages like sports drinks such as Gatorade or prepared rehydration solutions (Pedialyte, for example).
3. Provide popsicles made from juices and sports drinks for them to enjoy.
4. Suggest sucking on ice chips.
5. If they have had jaw surgery or mouth sores, recommend sipping through a straw.

If the person has been exposed to heat or has an elevated temperature, take steps to cool them down with the following methods:

1. Remove excess clothing and loosen tight garments.
2. If possible, move them to an air-conditioned area to normalize body temperature and break the cycle of heat exposure.
3. If air conditioning is unavailable, enhance cooling through evaporation by placing them near fans or in the shade if outdoors. You can also wrap a wet towel around them.
4. If available, use a spray bottle or misters to apply lukewarm water to exposed skin for cooling through evaporation.
5. Avoid excessive cold exposure, such as ice packs or ice water, as it can constrict skin blood vessels and raise body temperature, counter to the intended cooling effect. Excessive cold exposure may also induce shivering, raising body temperature, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve.

Prevention

The primary approach to managing dehydration is prevention. Be proactive in increasing fluid intake:

1. Prior to outdoor activities or work that involves significant sweating, physical activity, and heat, plan and carry extra water. Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to replenish fluids at a rate equal to their losses.
2. Avoid exercising and being outdoors during days with a high heat index. Pay attention to weather forecasts for days with elevated heat stress and schedule outdoor events during cooler times.
3. Ensure that older individuals, infants, and children have easy access to fluids and offer assistance as needed. Encourage incapacitated or impaired individuals to stay well-hydrated.
4. Avoid alcohol consumption, especially in hot conditions, as it increases fluid loss and impairs the ability to recognize early signs of dehydration.
5. If you're outdoors in hot weather, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Carry a personal fan or mister to stay cool.
6. Break up prolonged exposure to high temperatures by seeking air-conditioned or shaded areas to cool off between periods of exposure. Spending a few hours in a cooled environment daily can help prevent the cumulative effects of high heat exposure.

Outlook

With appropriate treatment and identifying the underlying cause, recovery from dehydration is typically complete.

Dehydration resulting from heat exposure, excessive exercise, or reduced water intake is generally manageable, with an excellent prognosis.