Dehydration
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Dehydration Treatment
Drinking fluids is usually sufficient for mild dehydration. It is better to have frequent, small amounts of fluid (using a teaspoon or syringe for an infant or child) rather than trying to force large amounts of fluid at one time. Drinking too much fluid at once can bring on more vomiting.
Infants and children should drink an electrolyte like Pedialyte. Adults with vomiting or diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours should also replace electrolytes. Try Ricelyte or Rehydralyte. DO NOT use sports drinks because they contain too much sugar and can cause or worsen diarrhea.
Intravenous fluids and hospitalization may be necessary for moderate to severe dehydration. The doctor will try to identify and then treat the cause of the dehydration.
Most cases of stomach viruses (also called viral gastroenteritis) tend to resolve on their own after a few days.
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