When to Go to the ER or Hospital for Severe Dehydration

When to Go to the Hospital for Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Mild to moderate dehydration can usually be treated at home by drinking more fluids. But severe dehydration is a medical emergency that requires hospital treatment to prevent serious complications.

Assessing the Severity of Dehydration

Doctors categorize dehydration based on how much fluid is lost from the body:

• Mild: 2-5% loss of body weight from fluids
• Moderate: 6-9% loss of body weight from fluids
• Severe: 10% or more loss of body weight from fluids

For a 150 pound person, 10% fluid loss equals about 15 pounds of weight loss from dehydration. The greater the fluid loss, the more urgent the need for medical treatment.

Symptoms of Severe Dehydration

Signs that dehydration has progressed to a severe stage requiring emergency medical care include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Extreme thirst
• Irritability and confusion
• Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity
• Little or no urine output
• Low blood pressure
• Fever
• Unresponsiveness

Severe dehydration can lead to organ damage, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death if not treated promptly. Seek emergency care if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

You should go directly to the emergency room if you or a family member has:

• Severe dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Fever over 102°F
• Urine output that is dark or bloody
• Fainting or unconsciousness
• Lethargy that prevents drinking fluids
• Symptoms of shock like cold, clammy skin or blue lips
• Vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down

Don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Prompt emergency care can stabilize someone with severe dehydration and prevent serious medical complications.

When to Call a Doctor

In less severe cases of dehydration, call your doctor right away if you experience:

• Heavy sweating from exercise, heat exposure, or illness
• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Vomiting for more than 12 hours
• Inability to keep down any liquids
• Blood in urine or stools
• No urine output for 8 hours or more
• Dry mouth and severe thirst
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Confusion

The doctor can assess your symptoms and determine whether you need to go to urgent care or the ER for IV fluids and lab tests. Call 911 if symptoms worsen before you can get medical attention.

Emergency Treatment Options for Severe Dehydration

There are several methods doctors use to treat dehydration in the emergency room setting:

IV Fluids

Receiving intravenous fluids is the fastest way to reverse severe dehydration. IV treatment restores fluid levels and electrolyte balance in your cells. The IV line also provides access to quickly administer medications as needed.

Oral Rehydration Solution

In some cases, the doctor may try giving an oral rehydration solution containing optimal levels of salts and sugars to aid rehydration. This is used when the patient is able to drink and keep fluids down.

Electrolytes

Blood and urine tests help identify any electrolyte imbalances from dehydration. Potassium, magnesium, sodium, and other electrolytes may be administered through your IV to restore optimal levels.

Medications

If dehydration is tied to uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea, medications can help control these symptoms to allow the body to rehydrate. Pain relievers may be given for headaches or other pains.

Monitoring

Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, and hydration status will be continuously analyzed to ensure treatment is working and complications do not arise.

Preventing Dehydration from Progressing

While severe dehydration requires emergency care, there are things you can do to keep mild or moderate dehydration from worsening:

Drink Up

If you experience any signs of dehydration, start sipping small amounts of water or an oral rehydration solution. Drink frequently instead of guzzling large amounts which may upset your stomach. Stick to cool, clear, and caffeine-free beverages.

Rest

Get plenty of rest to help your body direct its energy toward hydration and recovery. Limit physical activity that worsens fluid loss.

Treat Other Conditions

If vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or sweating from illness is causing dehydration, get treatment for the underlying condition. Over-the-counter anti-nausea, antidiarrheal, or fever reducing medications may help.

Eat Smart

Choose easy-to-digest foods like broths, soups, yogurt and jello until dehydration improves. Avoid foods high in fiber, fat or spice which are harder to digest.

Monitor Progress

Weigh yourself daily and check for decreasing symptoms to ensure you are rehydrating. Call your doctor if dehydration persists over 24-48 hours despite treatment at home.

Outlook for Severe Dehydration

With timely emergency treatment, most people recover fully from severe dehydration. However, some may experience lasting effects, including:

• Kidney damage or failure
• Seizures
• Torn bowels from vomiting or straining
• Permanent neurological impairment
• Low blood volume
• Electrolyte imbalances

Infants, young children, older adults, and those with chronic diseases have the highest risk of complications from severe dehydration. Prompt medical care is key.

Prevent dehydration from ever reaching a critical point by drinking enough fluids daily, recognizing early signs of dehydration, and treating contributing factors quickly. Seek emergency care if you or a loved one exhibits signs of severe dehydration.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.