Symptoms of Dehydration

When you have diarrhea, your body doesn't reabsorb fluids as well as it normally does, which puts you at risk of dehydration. Without enough fluid coming in -- and too much going out -- your body starts to shut down and stops functioning properly. Severe dehydration is a serious condition, so it's best to prevent dehydration in the first place.

What to Look For

Early symptoms that you're in need of fluid include thirst, dry mouth, and/or sticky, thick saliva. Pay attention to your body's warning signs and replenish your liquids and electrolytes with drinks that are designed to rehydrate. You can make your own rehydration drink or buy over-the-counter products, such as Pedialyte, Lytren, or Rehydralyte.

Avoid sports drinks, such as Gatorade, Powerade, and All Sport. Although they replenish fluids, sports drinks also contain a lot of sugar, which can make your diarrhea worse.

See a health professional immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry eyes or no tears
• Nonelastic skin that doesn't return to place when pinched
• Rapid breathing and/or rapid heartbeat
• Listlessness
• Little or no urine output for 8 hours or more