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module menu icon Dehydration

Dehydration

When someone is affected by diarrhoea, dehydration is a risk (especially for the old and very young).

With normal digestion, water is absorbed through the intestinal wall.
In diarrhoea, the bowel contents move too rapidly for water to be absorbed, resulting in water loss.

Often diarrhoea is associated with vomiting so it may be difficult to replace lost fluids.

Note that due to the additional risk of dehydration in the very young, you should refer the following to their GP:4 babies under 12 months, particularly if they aren't feeding properly; children under 5 who have any signs of dehydration; or children over 5 who still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets.

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