Understanding What do they give you if you are dehydrated?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published on the NCBI bookshelf, dehydration is highly prevalent among certain vulnerable groups, such as older adults, with rates in the United States ranging from 17% to 28%. Knowing exactly what do they give you if you are dehydrated is crucial for effective treatment, as the method depends on the severity of the condition and the cause of fluid loss.

Quick Summary

The specific treatment for dehydration varies based on its severity and cause, ranging from drinking oral rehydration solutions to receiving intravenous fluids in a hospital setting. The primary goal is to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, which can be accomplished with a range of products from simple water to medical-grade saline solutions. The appropriate care involves addressing both fluid loss and any underlying conditions causing it.

Key Points

Level of Severity: The treatment for dehydration depends on its severity, ranging from mild fluid loss to severe medical emergencies requiring hospital care.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): For mild-to-moderate dehydration, especially from vomiting or diarrhea, ORS with a balance of water, glucose, and electrolytes is the most effective oral treatment.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids: In severe cases where oral intake is not possible or sufficient, medical professionals administer IV fluids like normal saline or Lactated Ringer's to rapidly restore fluids and electrolytes.
Water Alone Isn't Always Enough: While good for general hydration, plain water lacks the electrolytes needed to correct an imbalance caused by significant fluid loss, like heavy sweating or illness.
Hydrating Foods: Certain foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and broth-based soups, have a high water content and can aid in rehydration, supplementing fluid intake.
What to Avoid: Beverages with high sugar content (sodas, fruit juices) and caffeinated drinks can worsen dehydration and should be avoided when rehydrating due to illness.

Mild Dehydration: Simple Oral Rehydration

For mild cases of dehydration, such as those caused by minor fluid loss from sweating or a short-lived illness, the treatment is straightforward: increase fluid intake orally. The best and most accessible option is often plain water, which is perfect for general rehydration. However, since dehydration from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea also depletes the body of essential salts and minerals, rehydrating with just water may not be enough. In these scenarios, a better approach involves beverages that contain a balance of water and electrolytes.

Recommended Oral Fluids for Mild Dehydration

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These are scientifically formulated to contain the precise balance of electrolytes and glucose needed to enhance water absorption and replenish lost minerals quickly. Commercially available products, like Pedialyte, are excellent for this purpose. You can also make a simple homemade ORS by mixing 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of clean water.
Sports Drinks: For adults experiencing dehydration from vigorous exercise, sports drinks can be effective. They contain carbohydrates and electrolytes that aid rehydration. However, they can be high in sugar and are not recommended for children with diarrhea, as the high sugar content can worsen symptoms.
Coconut Water: This is a natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, and can be a hydrating beverage. While not as balanced as a medical-grade ORS for significant fluid loss, it is a good option for general hydration.
Broth-Based Soups: Soups and broths contain water and sodium, which can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, especially when dealing with illness-related dehydration.

Moderate to Severe Dehydration: When Medical Intervention is Needed

When dehydration progresses beyond the mild stage, simple oral fluids may not be sufficient, and medical attention becomes necessary. This is especially true if a person cannot keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting or has experienced significant fluid loss from severe diarrhea. Signs of severe dehydration include little to no urination, confusion, fainting, a rapid heart rate, and fever.

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Therapy

For moderate to severe dehydration, healthcare providers use intravenous (IV) hydration, where fluids are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein. This provides immediate rehydration and is critical in emergency situations. The most common types of IV fluids given for dehydration are:

Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl): This is a simple salt-water solution that is the go-to for most cases of volume restoration.
Lactated Ringer's Solution: This contains a mix of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate, making it ideal for replacing fluid and electrolytes lost due to trauma, surgery, or severe dehydration.

The Science of Rehydration: Why ORS is So Effective

Oral rehydration solutions are a landmark medical innovation, particularly for treating diarrhea. Their effectiveness lies in the principle of sodium-glucose cotransport. The right ratio of sodium and glucose in the solution allows water to be absorbed much more efficiently by the small intestine than with water alone. This mechanism allows the body to restore its fluid balance quickly and effectively, preventing the dangerous progression to severe dehydration. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have developed and promoted standardized ORS formulas to treat dehydration, particularly in children.

Comparison of Rehydration Methods


Method	Suitable for	Primary Composition	Administration	Speed of Action	Best for	Notes
Plain Water	Mild dehydration	Water	Oral, sips	Moderate	General hydration, mild fluid loss	Does not replace electrolytes; not ideal for significant mineral loss.
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Mild-to-moderate dehydration, especially with vomiting/diarrhea	Water, electrolytes (Na, K), glucose	Oral, small frequent sips	Fast	Illness-related fluid and electrolyte loss	Scientifically balanced formula for optimal absorption.
Sports Drinks	Mild dehydration from exercise	Water, electrolytes, sugar	Oral	Fast	Hydrating during/after intense exercise	Often high in sugar; avoid for illness-related dehydration.
IV Fluids	Moderate-to-severe dehydration	Saline, Lactated Ringer's, etc.	Intravenous drip	Immediate	Medical emergencies, inability to tolerate oral intake	Administered in a hospital setting under medical supervision.

Nutritional Strategies to Prevent and Treat Dehydration

Beyond drinks, food plays a significant role in hydration, with many fruits and vegetables boasting a high water content. Incorporating these into your diet is an excellent preventative measure. Foods like watermelon, strawberries, oranges, and cucumbers are great hydrating snacks. For those who are sick, high-water-content foods like soup, yogurt, and gelatin can also contribute to fluid intake.

To prevent dehydration, it is crucial to stay proactive. Drink adequate fluids throughout the day and increase intake during hot weather or strenuous physical activity. Pay attention to your body's signals, such as thirst, and the color of your urine, which should be pale yellow.

Conclusion

Understanding what do they give you if you are dehydrated is about knowing the right tool for the right job. For mild dehydration, a balanced approach with oral fluids like water, ORS, or hydrating foods is usually sufficient. In contrast, moderate or severe cases require immediate medical attention and intravenous fluid therapy. The most effective treatment is targeted at replenishing not only lost water but also crucial electrolytes. By recognizing the signs and applying the appropriate rehydration strategy, you can ensure a quick and full recovery from dehydration. For more in-depth information on fluid management, you can consult sources like the NCBI Bookshelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild dehydration, you are given oral fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte, diluted fruit juices, or sports drinks. Sips should be taken slowly to avoid upsetting the stomach.

IV fluid is needed for moderate to severe dehydration, especially if you are unable to keep oral fluids down due to vomiting or have significant fluid loss from severe diarrhea. It is a medical emergency that requires hospital treatment.

A standard ORS contains a precise ratio of clean water, electrolytes (salts), and carbohydrates (sugar). The key ingredients are sodium, potassium, and glucose, which work together to facilitate water absorption.

Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is the most common IV fluid for general rehydration. Lactated Ringer's solution, which contains more electrolytes, is also frequently used for specific conditions.

Yes, you can make a simple homemade solution by mixing 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of safe drinking water. This can be used for mild dehydration, but consult a doctor for severe cases.

When dehydrated, you should avoid sugary drinks like soda and undiluted fruit juice, as well as beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. These can worsen dehydration by increasing fluid loss.

Yes, foods with high water content can help you rehydrate. Examples include fruits like watermelon and strawberries, vegetables such as cucumbers, and broth-based soups.