Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs.
Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much of your body's fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.
Skin that is not as elastic as normal. When the provider pinches it into a fold, it may slowly sag back into place. Normally, skin springs back right away.
For more severe dehydration or heat emergency, you may need to stay in a hospital and receive fluid through a vein (IV). The provider will also treat the cause of the dehydration.
You should call 911 or the local emergency number if:
The person loses consciousness at any time.
There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).
The person has a fever over 102°F (38.8°C).
You notice symptoms of heatstroke (such as rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
The person's condition does not improve or gets worse despite treatment.
Prevention
To prevent dehydration:
Drink plenty of fluids every day, even when you are well. Drink more when the weather is hot or you are exercising.
If anyone in your family is ill, pay attention to how much they are able to drink. Pay close attention to children and older adults.
Anyone with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids. DO NOT wait for signs of dehydration.
If you think you or someone in your family may become dehydrated, call your provider. Do this before the person becomes dehydrated.
References
Kenefick RW, Cheuvront SN, Leon LR, O'Brien KK. Dehydration and rehydration. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing TA, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 89.
Padlipsky P, White W. Pediatric infectious diarrheal disease and dehydration. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 167.
Review Date:
8/5/2023
Reviewed By:
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.