Overview

Mild to moderate dehydration can be reversed with fluids, but severe dehydration is life-threatening, especially in infants and elderly.

Causes

• Diarrhea, vomiting
• High fever
• Excessive sweating
• Not drinking enough water

Symptoms

• Dry mouth, cracked lips
• Dark urine, low output
• Dizziness, confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle cramps

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Physical signs, electrolyte tests
• Treatment:
  • Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
  • IV fluids for severe cases
  • Treat underlying cause (fever, diarrhea)

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Jeeraka Paniya, Panaka
• Siddha: Nannari, Elaneer
• Unani: Sharbat Anar, Sharbat Sandal
• Homeopathy: China officinalis, Veratrum album
• Nutraceuticals: Electrolyte powders, potassium, zinc

Caution

• Children and elderly get dehydrated quickly
• Dark urine is a key early warning sign

Prevention

• Drink 8–10 glasses of water/day
• Increase fluid during exercise or fever
• Use ORS in diarrhea or vomiting