Diarrhea

Diarrhea & Dehydration
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means the body has lost too much fluid and too many electrolytes and can't function properly. Dehydration is particularly dangerous in children and in older adults and must be treated promptly to avoid serious health problems.

Signs of Dehydration Include:

• Thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Dark-colored urine

Signs of Dehydration in Children Include:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
• High fever
• Listlessness or irritability
• Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization.

Preventing Dehydration
The fluid and electrolytes lost during diarrhea need to be replaced promptly because the body cannot function without them. Electrolytes are the salts and minerals that affect the amount of water in your body, muscle activity, and other important functions.

Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. Broth and soups that contain sodium, and fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potassium, help restore electrolyte levels. Over-the-counter rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, and Infalyte are also good electrolyte sources and are especially recommended for use in children.

References:
March 2007
NIH Publication No. 07-2749
digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/