Simple Ways To Manage Dehydration Before The Arrival Of A Health Worker

For mild dehydration or while waiting for medical care for an adult with severe dehydration that is not due to heat stroke:

• The person should try to drink 2 quarts of fluid, such as water, juice, or sports drinks, in 2 to 4 hours. But it is better to drink small amounts of fluid often, because drinking too much fluid at once can bring on vomiting.
• The person should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to replace lost fluids.
• If the person is elderly, fluid replacement may need to be done slowly. Consult a health official.
• If the person is vomiting, try ice chips, popsicles, and small sips of fluid.
• If the person is recovering from diarrhea, consider that some sports drinks contain a lot of sugar, which can worsen diarrhea.

Seek the help of a qualify health worker if:

• The person’s symptoms get worse or don't improve within 24 hours.

• The person is elderly.

• You think a prescription medication such as a diuretic caused the dehydration.

• For mild dehydration, the person should rest for 24 hours and keep drinking fluids, even if symptoms improve. Fluid replacement may take up to a day and a half.

• If dehydration is moderate to severe, fluids may need to be replaced intravenously (IV) in the hospital.