When patients recognize dehydration in the early to moderate stages, it can be treated with home remedies. Basic steps to treat the condition differ by age and include:

Infants through 1 year of age:

• Nurse or bottle-feed an infant at more frequent intervals to replace fluids.
  
  
• Use an oral rehydration solution (containing water and salts in proportions designed to restore fluids and electrolytes) and administer via dropper, spoon or bottle.
  
  
• Replace lost fluids with cereal. Rice cereal, strained bananas and mashed potatoes can be used in children who have previously eaten these foods.

Children, ages 1 to 11:

• Replace fluids with oral rehydration solution, half-strength orange juice or water. Allow children to drink as much as they want.
  
  
• Encourage children (ages 4 to 10) to drink at least six to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluid.
  
  
• Fluid-replacement alternatives include popsicles and cereal with milk.

Adults and children older than age 12:

• Consume a rehydration drink, water or juice to replace fluids and minerals.  Patients who need to limit their intake of sugar are advised to ask their physician which beverages are appropriate for them. Drink 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of cool liquids over a period of two to four hours. Adults are often advised to drink at least eight glasses of noncaffeinated liquids each day to replace fluids that are lost.
  
  
• People who become dehydrated during strenuous activity should stop the activity and rest for 24 hours while continuing fluid replacement. People often feel better within a few hours, but total rehydration can take 36 hours.

See a physician if the following symptoms appear despite home treatments:

• Decreased alertness
  
  
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting when rising from lying to sitting, or sitting to standing (orthostatic hypotension, a condition involving low blood pressure)
  
  
• Decreased urination
  
  
• Other symptoms related to dehydration, including increased frequency or severity of any symptoms

Patients – particularly young children and older adults – should contact a physician if the following symptoms are experienced:

• Severe diarrhea, or moderate diarrhea for more than five days
  
  
• Vomiting for 12 hours or longer
  
  
• Inability to keep down fluids
  
  
• Irritability, sleepiness or fatigue