The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes lost. The best approach to treatment of dehydration depends on age, severity of dehydration and its cause.
Treatment of dehydration in sick children
Your doctor can offer specific suggestions for treating dehydration in your child, but some general guidelines include:
Use an oral rehydration solution. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte for infants and children with diarrhea, vomiting or fever. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes. They are also designed to aid digestion. Oral rehydration products are readily available in most pharmacies and drug stores carry many of their own brands. Begin giving fluids early in the course of an illness instead of waiting until the situation becomes urgent.
In an emergency situation in a pre-formulated solution is not available, you can make your own oral rehydration solution by mixing teaspoon salt 1 / 2, 6 tablespoons sugar and one liter (about 1 quart) of drinking water. Be sure to measure accurately because incorrect amounts can make the solution less effective or even harmful. If possible, have someone check your measurements accurately.
What is the option you choose, be sure to give enough solution. Your doctor may suggest specific amounts, depending on the child's age and dehydration, but the general rule is to give fluids slowly until your child's urine becomes clear in color. When a child is vomiting, try giving small amounts of solution at frequent intervals - try a tablespoon or so every few minutes, for example. If the child is not able to maintain this low, wait 30-60 minutes and then try again. Liquid at room temperature are the best.
Continue breastfeeding. Do not stop breastfeeding when your baby is sick, but it gives your baby an oral rehydration solution in a bottle too. If you give your baby formula, try switching to one that is lactose-free until diarrhea improves - lactose can be difficult to digest for diarrhea, diarrhea do worse. Do not dilute formula more than the instructions advise. Your doctor may also propose replacing a formula for oral rehydration solution given in 12 to 24 hours.
Avoid certain foods and drinks. The best liquid for a sick child is an oral rehydration solution - plain water does not provide essential electrolytes, and although sports drinks replenish electrolytes, they replace those lost through sweat, not by diarrhea or vomiting . Avoid giving your baby milk, soft drinks, caffeinated drinks, fruit juices or gelatin, which does not relieve dehydration, which can aggravate the symptoms.
Treating dehydration in sick adults
Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever may improve their drinking more water. Water is the best because other liquids such as fruit juices, soft drinks or coffee, can worsen diarrhea.
Treatment of dehydration in athletes of all ages
For the year related dehydration, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and carbohydrates can also be helpful. No need for salt tablets - too much salt can lead to hypernatremic dehydration, a condition in which the body is not only the scarcity of water, but also carries an excess of sodium.
Treat severe dehydration
Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency personnel arriving in an ambulance or emergency room hospitals, where they can receive salts and fluids through an intravenous (IV) rather than orally. Intravenous hydration provides the body with water and nutrients more quickly than oral solutions do - something that is essential in life-threatening.
Treatment of dehydration in sick children
Your doctor can offer specific suggestions for treating dehydration in your child, but some general guidelines include:
Use an oral rehydration solution. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte for infants and children with diarrhea, vomiting or fever. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes. They are also designed to aid digestion. Oral rehydration products are readily available in most pharmacies and drug stores carry many of their own brands. Begin giving fluids early in the course of an illness instead of waiting until the situation becomes urgent.
In an emergency situation in a pre-formulated solution is not available, you can make your own oral rehydration solution by mixing teaspoon salt 1 / 2, 6 tablespoons sugar and one liter (about 1 quart) of drinking water. Be sure to measure accurately because incorrect amounts can make the solution less effective or even harmful. If possible, have someone check your measurements accurately.
What is the option you choose, be sure to give enough solution. Your doctor may suggest specific amounts, depending on the child's age and dehydration, but the general rule is to give fluids slowly until your child's urine becomes clear in color. When a child is vomiting, try giving small amounts of solution at frequent intervals - try a tablespoon or so every few minutes, for example. If the child is not able to maintain this low, wait 30-60 minutes and then try again. Liquid at room temperature are the best.
Continue breastfeeding. Do not stop breastfeeding when your baby is sick, but it gives your baby an oral rehydration solution in a bottle too. If you give your baby formula, try switching to one that is lactose-free until diarrhea improves - lactose can be difficult to digest for diarrhea, diarrhea do worse. Do not dilute formula more than the instructions advise. Your doctor may also propose replacing a formula for oral rehydration solution given in 12 to 24 hours.
Avoid certain foods and drinks. The best liquid for a sick child is an oral rehydration solution - plain water does not provide essential electrolytes, and although sports drinks replenish electrolytes, they replace those lost through sweat, not by diarrhea or vomiting . Avoid giving your baby milk, soft drinks, caffeinated drinks, fruit juices or gelatin, which does not relieve dehydration, which can aggravate the symptoms.
Treating dehydration in sick adults
Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever may improve their drinking more water. Water is the best because other liquids such as fruit juices, soft drinks or coffee, can worsen diarrhea.
Treatment of dehydration in athletes of all ages
For the year related dehydration, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and carbohydrates can also be helpful. No need for salt tablets - too much salt can lead to hypernatremic dehydration, a condition in which the body is not only the scarcity of water, but also carries an excess of sodium.
Treat severe dehydration
Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency personnel arriving in an ambulance or emergency room hospitals, where they can receive salts and fluids through an intravenous (IV) rather than orally. Intravenous hydration provides the body with water and nutrients more quickly than oral solutions do - something that is essential in life-threatening.
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