Dehydration

Prevention

The following tips may help you prevent dehydration.

• Prompt home treatment for illnesses that cause diarrhea, vomiting, or fever will help prevent dehydration. Review the home treatment recommendations for other symptoms you may have. Go to the following topics:
  • Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older
  • Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger
  • Fever, Age 4 and Older
  • Fever, Age 3 and Younger
  • Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older
  • Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger
  • Urinary Problems, Age 11 and Younger
  • Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older
  • Sunburn
  • Heat-Related Illnesses
• To prevent dehydration during hot weather and exercise, drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids, such as water or rehydration drinks each day.
  • Drink extra water before, during, and after exercise.
  • Take a container of water or sports drink with you when you exercise, and try to drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Use a sports drink if you will be exercising for longer than 1 hour.
• Encourage your child to drink extra fluids or suck on Popsicles. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 should drink at least 6 to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluids.
• Do not drink coffee, colas, or other drinks that contain caffeine. They increase urine output and make you dehydrate faster.
• Avoid high-protein diets. If you are on a high-protein diet, make sure that you drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water each day.
• Do not drink alcohol, including beer and wine. They increase dehydration and make it difficult to make good decisions.
• Do not take salt tablets. Most people get plenty of salt in their diets. Use a sports drink if you are worried about replacing minerals lost through sweating.
• Stop working outdoors or exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or very tired.
• Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors. Change into dry clothing as soon as you can if your clothes get soaked with sweat. Never exercise in a rubber suit.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 6, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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