You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.
Babies, children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration.
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
Signs of dehydration in a baby may include:
Dehydration can happen more easily if you:
You should drink fluids if you have symptoms of dehydration.
If you feel sick or have been sick, you may find it hard to drink, so start with small sips and then gradually drink more.
If you're being sick or have diarrhoea and are losing too much fluid, you need to put back the sugar, salts and minerals your body has lost.
A pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration solutions. These are powders that you mix with water and then drink.
Ask your pharmacist which rehydration solutions are right for you or your child.
These can be signs of serious dehydration that need urgent treatment.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Once dehydration has been treated, it's important that your child's fluid levels are maintained.
carry on breastfeeding your baby or using formula – try to give small amounts more often than usual
give your baby small sips of extra water if they’re on formula or solid foods
give regular small sips of rehydration solution to replace lost fluids – ask your pharmacist to recommend one
give small children their usual diet
do not make formula weaker
do not give young children fruit juice or fizzy drinks – it can make diarrhoea or vomiting worse
Drinking fluids regularly can reduce the risk of dehydration. Water or diluted squash are good choices.
You should drink enough during the day, so your pee is a pale clear colour.
Drink more when there's a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if you're being sick, sweating due to hot weather or exercise, or you have diarrhoea.
Children under the age of 5 should get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
A person you care for may not have a sense of how much they're drinking.
You can help them by:
