The body can’t function properly if the body has lost too much fluids and too many electrolytes. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and in older adults and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.
Knowing the signs of the condition can help prevent serious complications. Signs of dehydration include:
- thirst
- less frequent urination
- dry skin
- fatigue
- light-headedness
- dark-colored urine
Dehydration signs in children include
- dry mouth and tongue
- no tears when crying
- no wet diapers for 3 hours or more
- sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
- high fever
- listlessness or irritability
- skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
Prevention
The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly because the body cannot function without them. Electrolytes are the salts and minerals that affect the amount of water in your body, muscle activity, and other important functions.
Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potassium, help restore electrolyte levels. Over-the-counter rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, and Infalyte are also good electrolyte sources and are especially recommended for use in children.
Resources:
1. Digestive Diseases A-D. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 00-2750: February 2000
2. Diarrhea. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). National Institute of Health. NIH Publication No. 07–2749: March 2007
This Page Last Revised: May 21, 2010
