Dehydration A Complication That May Arise From Diarrhea Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Diarrhea Dehydration A Complication That May Arise From Diarrhea By Ashley WelchMedically Reviewed by Ira Daniel Breite, MD Reviewed: June 29, 2022 Medically Reviewed Drinking adequate amounts of water is the best way to prevent dehydration when you have diarrhea.Getty Images But severe or frequent diarrhea can be a sign of a bigger health issue and needs medical attention. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which comes with its own health concerns. When Diarrhea Leads to Dehydration Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Complications include heat exhaustion, low electrolyte levels, seizures, heatstroke, In the most serious cases, dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs and may lead to shock, which can be life-threatening. Treating Dehydration If you’re suffering from dehydration, drink plenty of water. You may also want to try sucking on ice cubes. But water may not be enough, as it does not contain the salts and electrolytes (minerals such as sodium and Just pay attention to the amount of sugar in these drinks, as too much sugar can worsen For children, talk to your If treated quickly and appropriately, someone suffering from dehydration should recover completely. Ways to Prevent Dehydration How much fluid you need depends on your age, weight, level of activity, and the climate where you live. Generally, it’s recommended that women drink eight glasses of water a day (about 2.2 liters) and men drink 12 glasses (about 3 liters) per day, but talk to your doctor about the amount that is appropriate for you. Anyone who is sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids and not wait for If any of your loved ones are ill, pay close attention to how much they drink, especially children and older adults. Even minor illnesses, such as If you think someone in your family may become dehydrated, call your doctor before they begin to show signs of dehydration. When to Seek Medical Help While most people who are dehydrated will recover completely, there are instances where medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications. Call 911 immediately if: The person loses consciousness at any timeThere is any other change in the person's alertness, such as confusion or seizuresThe person has a fever over 103 degrees FYou notice symptoms of heatstroke, including rapid pulse or rapid breathingThe person's condition does not improve, or gets worse despite treatment Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Symptoms & Causes of Diarrhea. Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Diarrhea Can Your Period Cause Diarrhea? 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