What should I know and do about fluids and dehydration?

ACS Answer

Everything in the body contains fluid (water). Because the human body can tolerate only moderate changes in fluid balance, changes in that balance result in differences in the way a person feels. Fluid balance means that the body's fluids are properly regulated and in proper places. Swelling is having too much water in the body. (See section on swelling.) Dehydration is not having enough water in the body or not having the right amount of fluid in the right body places.

What to look for

• Dry mouth, thirst
• Dizziness, weakness
• Inability to swallow dry food
• Difficulty talking
• Dry skin, skin that "tents" when pinched
• Swollen, cracked, or dried tongue
• Fever (see section on fever)
• Weight loss (see section on weight changes)
• Little or no urine
• Fatigue (see section on fatigue)
• Sunken eyeballs

What to do

• Use ice chips for relief of dry mouth.
• Drink fluids, such as water, juices, and colas; sometimes iced fluids are easier. Remember that food, such as fruit, contains fluid.
• Apply lotion to dry skin frequently.
• Attempt to get rid of the cause of dehydration, such as vomiting (see section on nausea and vomiting); diarrhea (see section on diarrhea); or fever (see section on fever).
• Apply lubricant to lips.
• If it is tiring to get up, fill a small cooler with ice and small cans of juice and keep it next to the bed or sofa.

Do not

• Drink too much fluid at first, because this can result in more vomiting; instead, sip more and more water slowly
• Neglect comfort measures, such as ice chips or sips of fluid
• Neglect good mouth care, to prevent skin breakdown

Call the doctor about any of the following symptoms

• Vomiting, diarrhea, or fever that continues for more than 24 hours
• Urine that is either very dark in color or in a small amount, or if there is no urine for 12 hours or more
• Feeling dizzy or faint as you stand up
• Becoming disoriented or confused

Related Resources

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

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