How do you treat dehydration symptoms?
Sarah Martinez
Updated on April 03, 2026
Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate.
How long does it take for symptoms of dehydration to go away?
If the problem that caused dehydration is resolved and the person gets the right amount of fluid, mild to moderate dehydration can resolve in less than a day. Severe dehydration or dehydration of long duration should be treated by doctors in a hospital and typically takes 2 to 3 days to resolve with proper treatment.
What can I drink to cure dehydration?
The 7 Best Drinks for Dehydration
- Water. As you can imagine, water is one of the best drinks to fight dehydration.
- Electrolyte-Infused Water. What’s even better than water?
- Pedialyte.
- Gatorade.
- Homemade Electrolyte-Rich Drink.
- Watermelon.
- Coconut Water.
How do you treat dehydration at home?
To treat dehydration at home, drink more fluids and either apply a cold compress to your face or take an ice bath to cool down. If your temperature doesn’t improve, or it reaches above 103° indicating severe dehydration in adults, go to the nearest emergency room.
What is the fastest way to hydrate?
If you’re worried about your or someone else’s hydration status, here are the 5 best ways to rehydrate quickly.
- Water. While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate.
- Coffee and tea.
- Skim and low fat milk.
- 4. Fruits and vegetables.
How can I fix dehydration at home?
What happens to your body when you are dehydrated?
When you’re dehydrated, you lose sugar and salts, as well as water. Drinking a rehydration solution will enable you to re-establish the right balance of body fluids. The solution should contain a mixture of potassium and sodium salts, as well as glucose or starch.
How long does it take to recover from dehydration?
Recovery time for dehydration depends on the underlying cause and may also depend on how long you’ve been dehydrated. If your dehydration is severe enough that it requires hospitalization, or if it’s accompanied by heatstroke, it may take a day or two before you can be released from the hospital.
What is the best way to treat dehydration?
Increasing water consumption is the primary treatment for dehydration. Taking small sips of water or other clear fluids at regular intervals can help in maintaining water levels and rehydrating the body. A study conducted in 2017 assessed the performance of athletes after fluid intake post dehydration.
What are signs of mild dehydration?
Dry,sticky mouth
What are the long term effects of dehydration?
A person experiencing long-term dehydration will have a lack of moisture in the skin that will prevent the skin from being able to snap back into place if it has been disturbed. The person will experience continued muscle spasms throughout their body, and their stomach will begin to take on a bloated look.