What Are You Telling Patients About Dehydration This Season?

Date: 11/07/16

Staying hydrated is an important part of member’s health, and proper hydration becomes even more important during an illness. As flu season begins, it is important that providers ensure members know how to identify the signs of dehydration so they can heal faster. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to potentially serious side effects and hospitalization. 

Dehydration is one of the top hospital admissions diagnoses for older adults. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration during an illness because they have a reduced sense of thirst and their bodies are less able to conserve water. The chances for dehydration increase if a patient is also experiencing diarrhea, vomiting and/or a fever. Chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney disease can also exacerbate the effects of dehydration.

Dehydration is preventable and can be avoided with the right education and resources. Superior encourages providers to talk to members about what they can do to stay hydrated when they are sick. Please review the talking points and resources below to help get the conversation started with members. 

Dehydration Talking Points for Members:

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid.

What are the signs of dehydration?

• Dark yellow urine – the darker the urine, the more dehydrated you are.
• Excessive thirst or dry mouth.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Headaches.

Signs of severe dehydration include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Inability to sweat or produce tears.
• Sunken eyes.
• Skin that doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched.

If you are showing any signs of severe dehydration, seek immediate medical care.

How to avoid dehydration when you are sick:

• Drink plenty of clear fluids. If you can’t keep fluids down, sip small amounts of water or suck on ice.
• Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks.
• Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution to help you replace lost electrolytes (salt).
• Be sure that you or your caregiver can recognize signs of dehydration.

When to cCall your PCP if:

• You have severe vomiting or diarrhea, with or without fever.
• You have had diarrhea for 24 hours or more.
• You have bloody or black stools.
• You are an older adult or have a chronic illness and have any signs of dehydration.

If your patient has chronic heart failure or needs to limit their fluid intake for other reasons, have further conversations about how they should manage their fluids when they are sick.

For more informaiton, download this Dehydration Education flyer for your patient. 

Additional Resources:

Dehydration: https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html