Dehydration treatment requires replacing lost fluids.
In mild cases, you might do it at home by drinking water or an oral rehydration solution.
However, drinking water may not be possible if dehydration is severe, so prompt medical treatment is necessary.
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Every organ in your body requires water to function, and dehydration can quickly impact organ function.
Intravenous Fluid Replacement
Severe dehydration can be fatal if left untreated.
However, severely dehydrated people are often weak, unable to swallow, or unconscious.
A healthcare provider will administer intravenous (IV) fluids in these cases.
Determining whether you are dehydrated from a lack of water intake or too much water loss is important.
Illness often increases water loss through sweating, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When you lose water this way, your body also loses important electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Severe dehydration can be fatal and requires medical attention.
Infants and older adults are at a higher risk for dehydration.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns about hydration levels for yourself or someone you care for.
October 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
Taylor K, Tripathi AK, Jones EB.Adult dehydration.StatPearls.
2019;11(7):1485. doi:10.3390/nu11071485
University of Virginia Health System.Homemade oral rehydration solutions.
