Medical Treatment

Treatment in the Emergency Department centers first on restoring blood volume and then body fluids, while determining the cause of the dehydration.

If your core body temperature is greater than 104°F, doctors will cool the entire body. They may promote cooling by evaporation with mists and fans or cooling blankets and baths.

• Fluid replacement
  
  
  • If there is no nausea and vomiting, fluid replacement is begun. You are asked to drink electrolyte/carbohydrate-containing fluids along with water.
    
    
  • If there are signs of significant dehydration (elevated resting heart rate, low blood pressure), fluids are generally given through an IV.
  
  
• Disposition
  
  
  • If your condition improves in the Emergency Department, you may be sent home, preferably in the care of friends or family.
    
    
  • If you remain dehydrated, confused, feverish, have persistently abnormal vital signs, or signs of infection, you may need to stay in the hospital for additional treatment.