Getting enough fluids is the foundation of preventing dehydration. Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you take in, leaving your body without enough fluid to work properly. Everyday needs differ, and illness or hot weather can increase the importance of replacing lost fluids.
According to MedlinePlus guidance on dehydration, prevention centers on drinking enough fluids and getting extra fluids when you are sick or in hot weather. Knowing who is at higher risk and recognizing symptoms can also help you understand when medical attention is needed.
Everyday steps for preventing dehydration
There is no single daily water amount in the MedlinePlus guidance that applies to everyone. Each person’s needs can be different. Ask your health care provider how much you should drink each day rather than assuming one fixed target suits all people.
MedlinePlus recommends these practical steps:
- Drink enough water every day. Use your provider’s guidance to understand your individual fluid needs.
- Avoid drinks containing sugar and caffeine. MedlinePlus includes this advice in its prevention recommendations.
- Drink extra fluids in hot weather. This is especially important when exercising or working outdoors.
- Get extra fluids when you are sick. If keeping liquids down is difficult, try small sips of water or sucking on ice chips.
Sports drinks may help when you lose a lot of minerals through sweating. However, some contain a lot of sugar, so MedlinePlus cautions against drinking too much of them.
Understand when fluid losses can increase
Dehydration can result from diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, fever, or not drinking enough water or other fluids. Urinating too much can also cause dehydration, including when increased urination is related to certain medicines or illnesses.
These causes explain why an ordinary day, a hot outdoor workday, and a day spent sick may involve different hydration needs. The source recommends extra fluids during heat and illness, but it does not give a universal amount for those situations.
Who needs particular attention?
Dehydration prevention is useful for everyone, but some people are more likely to become dehydrated:
- Older adults: Some people lose their sense of thirst as they age and may not drink enough.
- Infants and young children: They are more likely to have diarrhea or vomiting.
- People with certain chronic illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or kidney problems can cause more frequent urination or sweating.
- People taking certain medicines: Some medicines increase urination or sweating.
- People exercising or working outdoors in hot weather.
Recognize symptoms and urgent warning signs
In adults, dehydration symptoms include feeling very thirsty, dry mouth, urinating and sweating less than usual, dark-colored urine, dry skin, tiredness, and dizziness.
In infants and young children, signs include a dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, no wet diapers for three hours or more, a high fever, unusual sleepiness or drowsiness, irritability, and sunken-looking eyes.
Get medical help right away if symptoms also include confusion, fainting, lack of urination, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, or shock. Dehydration can range from mild to severe enough to be life-threatening.
A health care provider can assess symptoms, perform a physical exam, and check vital signs. Blood or urine tests may also help evaluate dehydration and its cause. Contact a provider with questions about symptoms or your fluid needs; this information does not replace professional care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I drink each day?
Needs differ from person to person. MedlinePlus recommends asking your health care provider how much you should drink daily rather than using one amount for everyone.
Are sports drinks necessary to prevent dehydration?
Not for every situation. They may help when you lose a lot of minerals in sweat, but some have substantial sugar. MedlinePlus advises being careful not to drink too much of them.
How is dehydration treated?
Treatment replaces lost fluids and electrolytes. Mild cases may need water; oral rehydration solutions are available without a prescription for children. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids with salt in a hospital.
