Dehydration

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Dehydration (dee-heye-DRAY-shen) is a condition that happens when the amount of water in the body is lower than normal. Water and electrolytes (mineral salts) are usually in balance in the body and keep the body working properly. Dehydration may cause an increase or decrease in electrolytes, which may cause serious effects in your body. Dehydration may be caused by not drinking enough water, losing too much fluid, or both. Being in the sun or heat for too long, or sweating a lot may increase water loss. Certain medicines, such as diuretics (water pills), may make your body lose too much water and salt. Vomiting (throwing up), diarrhea, or having a fever that lasts a long time may also cause dehydration.
  
  
• Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes or mouth, increased thirst, dizziness, weakness, and tiredness. Your heart may beat faster or have an irregular beat, and your blood pressure may be low. A physical exam and tests, such as a urinalysis and BUN and creatinine tests, may be needed to diagnose dehydration. Treatment is usually giving fluids or fluid replacements, and treating the cause of dehydration. The earlier dehydration is treated, the better your chance of recovery. With treatment, such as fluid replacement, you may fully recover from dehydration.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Eat healthy foods:

Choose healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables. Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose protein sources, such as lean beef and chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you should have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids:

Men 19 years old and older should drink about three Liters of liquid each day (about 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about two Liters of liquid each day (about 9 eight-ounce cups). If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Drink even more liquids if you will be outdoors in the sun for a long time. You should also drink more liquids if you are exercising. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty. The best liquids to drink have water, sugar, and salt in them. These liquids help your body hold in fluid and help prevent dehydration. Ask your caregiver what liquids are best to drink if you are on a low salt or low sugar diet.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You are having trouble keeping liquids down.
  
  
• You have new symptoms or your symptoms are worse than before.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are losing or gaining weight without trying.
  
  
• You are unable to urinate.
  
  
• You are confused or cannot think clearly.
  
  
• You feel very weak or tired.
  
  
• You have a fast or an irregular heartbeat.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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