Treatments for Dehydration
Replacing fluids and electrolytes are the best ways to curtail dehydration. The dehydration treatment will depend on the source of the dehydration, age and how serious it is.
How to cure dehydration in adults who are sick
The majority of adults can treat dehydration by consuming plenty of water and other fluids if their dehydration is not severe, and is due to vomiting, diarrhea or fever. Diarrhea can be worsened by fluids such as coffee, carbonated beverages, and fruit juices.
How to cure dehydration in children who are sick
The following can treat dehydration in children, although your doctor will recommend precise treatments:
- Give them an oral rehydration solution. Give children and infants with fever, vomiting and diarrhea an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte. Oral dehydration solutions consist of salts and water to replace electrolytes and fluids. They are made to be easily digested. These solutions are widely available in drugstores and come in various brands. Fluids should be given early in sick children and not delayed until the condition becomes severe.
- You should ensure your child gets a suitable solution. Depending on the degree of dehydration and how old the child is, your doctor can prescribe specific quantities. The overall guideline however, is to continue giving fluids to the child until their urine becomes a clear color. You can give small quantities of the solution in recurrent breaks if they are vomiting. The best liquids are consumed at room temperature.
- Do not cease breastfeeding the baby. When the child is sick, use a bottle to administer the rehydration solution. Lactose worsens diarrhea since it is hard to digest. Your doctor may recommend replacing the formula with the rehydration solution for a short period.
- Avoid consuming certain foods and fluids. An oral rehydration solution is the best fluid for a child who is unwell. Water does not offer the necessary electrolytes. Although sports drinks replace electrolytes, they only substitute for electrolytes lost through perspiring and not by vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration is not treated by fruit juices, caffeinated beverages, gelatins or milk as they worsen diarrhea.
How to cure dehydration in athletes
Cool water is best suited for dehydration as a result of exercise. Electrolytes are found in sports drinks and drinking a solution of carbohydrates may help a great deal. Since a lot of salts cause hypernatremic dehydration (where the body lacks water and has a lot of salts), salt tablets are not necessary. Carbonated beverages should also be avoided.
Oral solutions for rehydration
Salt, sugar, and water are all lost when you are dehydrated. The balancing of body fluids can be achieved by taking a rehydration solution. This solution consists of sodium salts, starch or glucose and potassium.
Rehydration solutions are diverse, and you can get them in pharmacies or when they are prescribed by your doctor. Rehydration solutions are appropriate for small children.
Consult your doctor on a rehydration solution that will best suit you and your child.
How to treat serious dehydration
Treatment for severe dehydration involves fluids and salts being introduced intravenously (via a vein). The intravenous administration of fluids works faster than the oral solution in getting water and nutrients to the body, making it more effective in severe cases of dehydration.
Treating dehydration with home remedies:
There are a number of ways of dealing with dehydration. While the most common cures come from a diagnostic centre, clinic or from a doctor, there are off-beat cures that rely on natural remedies. Home-made cures work well for dehydration. Even if you are unaware of a specific natural treatment, you can apply it after the medication or ready-made or oral rehydration solution has been given to the patient. Some of these include:
Homemade solution: Having a solution that is made by you at home is easy and quick to make. To a cup of water, all that you have to do is add a inch of salt along with a tablespoon of sugar. You can make a bottle or two of the solution in the required ratio and store it for the day. Make fresh solution every day.
Increase water through fresh produce: Have water and fibre rich vegetables and fruits. Watermelons, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce etc. have beneficial effects plus provide the hydration your body needs. At home, use these in salads, in between meals or blend tem into fruit and vegetable juices, with a pinch of salt and sugar.
Drink the right fluids: Increase fluid consumption, mainly by drinking water. Nothing substitutes water loss better than plain, regular water itself. It helps to restore the fluid imbalance in the body. Additionally, you could add glucose or sugar occasionally for both an extra energy boost. Besides this, buy a tender coconut and extract its water out of it. Sip on it during the day or after a meal. Additionally, chop fruits and vegetables that are high in water content and churn them together to have them as a soup or juice. Having buttermilk or beaten yogurt diluted with water helps to restore energy and strength too.
Breathe fresh air: Make sure that the surroundings are airy and fresh. You would not want your body to be sweaty or ht. Wear loose fitted clothing, open the windows for cross ventilation and switch off the air conditioners for a while or half a day, as artificial air could cause the air to dry and suck out the natural essential levels of humidity. Besides, the same air circulating over and over again could make the condition worse.
Some or all of the above methods of natural treatment can be tried, as it is not always medicines and hospitals that help you recover completely. Your care is in your own hands. Since dehydration makes a person weak and drains him out completely, these simple steps can be easily followed, fruit juices easily made at home etc. However, do not stop medication if prescribed by the practitioner. All these remedies work the best hand in hand.
