Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentTimelineComplicationsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Timeline
Complications
Prevention
Dehydration symptoms range in severity from feeling thirsty and tired to fainting or becoming confused. While anyone can develop dehydration from diarrhea, certain people are at a higher risk, namely babies, young children, and older adults.
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Symptoms of Dehydration From Diarrhea
Emergency Symptoms
Dehydration from diarrhea can be severe and, in extreme cases, life-threatening.
Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following symptoms:
Mild to Moderate Symptoms
Symptoms of mild-to-moderate dehydration in adults may include:
Symptoms of mild dehydration in babies or young children may include:
Why Diarrhea Leads to Dehydration
It’s best to review the basic steps of normal digestion to understand how diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
These steps include:
In cases of diarrhea, bowel movements have an increased water content for one or both of the following reasons:
Disturbances inelectrolytes(charged minerals that maintain fluid balance within the body) can also occur in dehydration, namely the loss of potassium (hypokalemia).
Depending on the cause and severity of the diarrhea, other electrolyte disturbances can occur, including a decrease inbicarbonateand an increase insodium.
Young children, especially babies, are particularly vulnerable to developing dehydration from diarrhea because they have a greater body surface area compared to adults.This higher ratio increases their environmental exposure, making them more prone to water losses.
Young children are also vulnerable to diarrhea-related dehydration because they may be unable to communicate their need for water or independently obtain water.
Older adultsare another population vulnerable to dehydration from diarrhea for these age-related reasons:
Older adults are also more likely to have chronic health conditions that pose various obstacles to ensuring proper hydration.For example, increasing age is the strongest risk factor fordementia(an umbrella term for brain disorders associated with impaired cognitive function).
Dementia can increase the risk of dehydration from:
Lastly, individuals withcertain medical conditionsthat cause them to urinate a lot—for example, those withdiabetes—or those taking medications likediuretics(drugs that remove excess water and salt from the body) are also at an increased risk for dehydration.
Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults Older Than 65
Treatments to Rehydrate
There are two ways to rehydrate from diarrhea:
Oral rehydration solutions are generally sufficient for mild and some moderate cases of dehydration.They contain a specific proportion of fluid, sugar, and electrolytes to replace water and are available in most grocery stores and pharmacies without a prescription.
Examples of oral rehydration solutions include:
Speak With a ProviderIf you are caring for a sick child with diarrhea-related dehydration, check with their pediatrician to see which oral rehydration solution is preferred.Seek a medical evaluation if the child exhibits symptoms or signs of moderate or severe dehydration or is unable to keep liquids down due to vomiting (which may accompany the diarrhea).
Speak With a Provider
If you are caring for a sick child with diarrhea-related dehydration, check with their pediatrician to see which oral rehydration solution is preferred.Seek a medical evaluation if the child exhibits symptoms or signs of moderate or severe dehydration or is unable to keep liquids down due to vomiting (which may accompany the diarrhea).
If you are caring for a sick child with diarrhea-related dehydration, check with their pediatrician to see which oral rehydration solution is preferred.
Seek a medical evaluation if the child exhibits symptoms or signs of moderate or severe dehydration or is unable to keep liquids down due to vomiting (which may accompany the diarrhea).
Severe dehydration from diarrhea requires IV fluids in a medical or hospital setting. Fluids are often given rapidly at first and then slowly.
People at higher risk for dehydration, such as babies, young children, and older adults, may require IV fluids, even if their dehydration is mild.
Timeline of Symptom Duration
The timeline of diarrhea-related dehydration depends on the underlying cause and its severity.
For example, a virus causes most cases of diarrhea, which lasts a day or two, although some may last up to 10 days.
If dehydration occurs with a diarrhea, rehydration can often be completed within a few hours, whether at home with an oral rehydration solution or in the hospital receiving IV fluids.
After rehydration,drinking fluids like water and eatingcan begin.
Secondary Complications
Dehydration, especially when prolonged, increases an adult’s chances of developing the following conditions:
It also increases the risk of hospitalization and death, namely in older adults.
Research suggests that mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance in children. Severe dehydration in children can lead to acute kidney injury, which is fortunately usually reversible with fluids.
With severe dehydration, potentially life-threatening complications can occur to anyone. They include:
How to Stay Ahead of Dehydration From Diarrhea
Methods for Getting Rid of Diarrhea Fast
Summary
Dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you take in. It’s a common complication of diarrhea, which is the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in anyone, although babies, young children, and older adults are at an increased risk.
Symptoms of diarrhea-related dehydration can range from mild (e.g., increased thirst or headache) to severe (e.g., fainting or confusion). Diarrhea can also lead to life-threatening complications, including shock and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.
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