Dehydration
If you are not properly hydrated, your body may not have enough fluid to properly function.
If you feel dehydrated, it’s best to seek medical attention and help your body recover as
soon as possible.
How can you tell if you’re dehydrated?
The signs and symptoms of dehydration can vary by age, and being thirsty isn’t always a reliable indicator of dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include:In Infants or Young Children
Dry tongue and/or mouth
Crying with no tears
Sunken eyes or cheeks
Irritability
Rapid breathing
No wet diaper in 3+ hours
In Adults
Less frequent urination
Dark-colored urine
Extreme thirst
Dizziness
Fatigue
Confusion
Headache
Severe Dehydration
Feeling unusually tired or confused
Dizziness when standing up
Not passing urine for 8+ hours
Weak pulse
Rapid pulse
What causes dehydration?
The cause of dehydration can often be simple. If you are sick, busy or lack safe drinking water, you may not be drinking enough water to properly hydrate your body. Other causes of dehydration can include:
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Fever
Excessive sweating
Increased urination
If you are unsure of the cause of your dehydration or have several other symptoms, it is best to visit an urgent care center near you so a medical provider can treat all your symptoms and determine the root cause of your illness.
How can I treat dehydration at home?
The best way to treat dehydration is to rehydrate the body and drink fluids like water, diluted fruit juice or rehydration solutions (Pedialyte). A sweet drink and salty snack can help replace lost sugar and salt in the body. Other treatment includes:For Babies
It is best to seek help from a medical professional for babies. In the meantime, give them
plenty of liquids like breast milk or formula. Oftentimes, it is better to give them smaller
amounts of fluids more often.
For Infants and Children
Give them an oral rehydration solution, like Pedialyte. Water alone may dilute the minerals
in their body, so they will need help maintaining their nutrient intake.
For Severe Dehydration
Seek medical attention immediately. It is not recommended to treat severe dehydration at
home.
Dehydration FAQs
When should I seek medical care for dehydration?
Call a doctor or urgent care clinic if you or your family member:
Has had diarrhea for 24+ hours
Can’t keep fluids down
Is irritable, disoriented and/or much sleepier or less active than usual
Has black or bloody stool
Who is most at risk for dehydration?
Infants and children
Older adults
People with chronic illnesses
People who exercise or work outside
Can dehydration lead to more severe illnesses?
Yes. Severe dehydration can cause some serious complications, including:
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Electrolyte imbalances
Urinary or kidney issues
Seizures
Low blood volume (hypovolemic) shock
How can I prevent dehydration in myself and others?
Drinking fluids and eating foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables, are the
best ways to prevent dehydration. Listen to your body and drink water when you are thirsty.
You may need more water under certain conditions like vomiting or diarrhea, hot or cold
weather, heavy exercise or another illness.
When should you visit urgent care for dehydration?
If you or a family member is experiencing dehydration symptoms, it is important to seek
medical attention. Check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Symptoms We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care is dedicated to help you feel better, faster. Our dedicated medical team employs a comprehensive approach to treat your symptoms — as well as any illnesses or injuries they may stem from — to help you get better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.