Abdominal Problems

Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much water. When you stop drinking water or lose large amounts of fluids because of diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating, your body's cells reabsorb fluid from the blood and other tissues. Severe dehydration can lead to shock, which can be life-threatening.

Dehydration is very dangerous for infants, small children, and older adults. Watch closely for its early signs anytime there is an illness that causes high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. The early symptoms are:

• Dry mouth and sticky saliva.

• Urinating smaller amounts than usual; dark yellow urine.

Treatment of mild dehydration involves stopping the fluid loss and gradually replacing lost fluids.

• To stop vomiting or diarrhea, do not eat any solid foods for several hours or until you are feeling better. In the first 24 hours, take frequent, small sips of water or a rehydration drink.

• Once the vomiting or diarrhea is controlled, drink water, diluted broth, or sport drinks a sip at a time until your stomach can handle larger amounts. Drinking too much fluid too soon can cause vomiting to recur.

  Rehydration Drinks Diarrhea and vomiting can cause your body to lose large amounts of water and essential minerals called electrolytes. If you are unable to eat for a few days, you are also losing nutrients. This happens faster and is more serious in infants, young children, and older adults. A rehydration drink (Pedialyte, Gastrolyte) will replace fluids and electrolytes in amounts that are best used by your body. Sports drinks and other sugared drinks will replace fluid, but most contain too much sugar (which can make the diarrhea worse) and not enough of the other essential ingredients. Plain water won't provide any necessary nutrients or electrolytes. Rehydration drinks won't make diarrhea or vomiting go away faster, but they will prevent serious dehydration from developing. You can make an inexpensive rehydration drink. However, do not give this homemade drink to children under age 12. Measure all ingredients precisely. Small variations can make the drink less effective or even harmful. 1 L ( 1 qt) water 2.5 ml ( 0.5 tsp ) baking soda 2.5 ml ( 0.5 tsp ) table salt 45 to 60 ml (3 to 4 tbsp ) sugar 1.25 ml (0.25 tsp ) potassium salt substitute ("lite" salt), if available

• If vomiting or diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours, sip a rehydration drink to replace lost minerals.

• Watch for signs of more severe dehydration (see below).

  For infants and children age 3 and younger:

  • Give small sips of an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte) as soon as vomiting or diarrhea starts. See Home Treatment for Home Treatment of vomiting or diarrhea in children.

  Top of Page

When to Call a Health Professional

• Sunken eyes, no tears, dry mouth and tongue.
• Sunken soft spot on an infant's head.
• Little or no urine for 8 hours.
• Skin that is doughy or doesn't bounce back when pinched.
• Extreme dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from lying down to sitting upright.
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat.
• Sleepiness, difficulty awakening, listlessness, and extreme irritability.

Top of Page