Severe Dehydration: The Signs That Mean "Get Help Now"

Mild to moderate

Thirst. Dry mouth. Dark yellow urine, or going less often. Headache. Tired or dizzy when you stand. For adults this is a drink-water-and-rest situation, or a hydration drip if you are far behind.

Severe

These signs mean the body is running short on fluid in a way that affects the heart and brain:

• Very little or no urine for 8 hours or more
• Confusion, trouble staying awake, or fainting
• Fast heartbeat and fast breathing
• Sunken eyes; skin that stays "tented" when pinched
• No tears when crying (in children)
• A fever over 103°F with the signs above

What to do

If you see severe signs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait for a mobile visit. Severe dehydration needs monitoring, lab work and sometimes more than fluids.

If someone is in the mild-to-moderate zone and cannot keep fluids down, or is an older adult who is not drinking enough, that is where we help. A licensed nurse comes to the home anywhere in New York and New Jersey, checks blood pressure and pulse, and gives a liter of fluids with a provider's order. If the nurse's checks show anything worse, we tell you to go to the ER, and we mean it.

Who dehydrates fastest

Babies and toddlers, adults over 65, people with diabetes or kidney disease, people on water pills, and anyone with vomiting or diarrhea. Check on them.

Behind on fluids but not in danger? Book a Hydration drip at zenivspa.com. In an emergency, call 911.

All treatments are medical services. Every guest is screened, and every treatment is provided only under the clearance, prescription or standing protocol of a licensed medical provider. Compounded peptides are not FDA-approved unless stated. Nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a promise of results.