Dehydration

Deshidratación

In 9 languages

LanguageTerm
EnglishDehydration
Spanish (Español) Deshidratación
Chinese (中文) 脫水
Korean (한국어) 탈수
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) Mất nước
Filipino (Tagalog) Dehydrasyon
Portuguese (Português) Desidratação
Thai (ภาษาไทย) ภาวะขาดน้ำ
Japanese (日本語) 脱水症

What it means

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in, impairing normal bodily functions. Causes include insufficient fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, excessive sweating, and certain medications such as diuretics. Signs include dark urine, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased urination. Severe dehydration can cause confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fainting and is a medical emergency. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk. Mild dehydration is treated with oral fluids and electrolyte drinks. Moderate to severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in a healthcare setting.

How to say it

Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:

I have been vomiting and unable to keep fluids down and feel very dizzy.

He estado vomitando y no puedo retener líquidos y me siento muy mareado.

My urine is very dark and I have a dry mouth.

Mi orina es muy oscura y tengo la boca seca.

I have not urinated much today and I feel lightheaded.

No he orinado mucho hoy y me siento mareado.

Where you'll see it

chartintake formmedical recordemergency note

Related ICD-10-CM category

E86 Volume depletion

Related terms

Sources

US Glossary Español A–Z US Codes United States

Last reviewed: September 2026