Severe dehydration

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Severe dehydration

By the time a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to vital organs. Shock, which is a life-threatening condition, can develop quickly.

A severely dehydrated person may not be able to cooperate or communicate.

Symptoms of severe dehydration (even if only one of them is present) include:

Altered behavior, such as severe anxiety, confusion, or not being able to stay awake.
Faintness that is not relieved by lying down, or lightheadedness that continues after standing for 2 minutes.
Inability to stand or walk.
Rapid breathing.
Weak, rapid pulse.
Cold, clammy skin or hot, dry skin.
Little or no urine output.
Loss of consciousness.

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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