If you or someone you love has been vomiting and unable to keep any food or liquids down, they’re probably starting to feel even worse from the effects of dehydration.
This can happen in early pregnancy, for people undergoing chemotherapy or those with other illnesses. It’s also an issue with altitude sickness.
To help someone rehydrate, wait at least ½ hour after any vomiting to offer very small amounts of liquids. Whatever you do, take this slowly and don’t overwhelm the stomach with a large amount of liquids or else, you guessed it, whatever you give is coming right back up.
Tips and Tricks from the ICU for rehydrating
Here’s trick I learned from caring for people in the ICU.
- Mix equal amounts of a clear liquid juice, such as apple, cranberry, white grape or lemonade with the same amount of water.
- Then, sip just 1 teaspoon of the water/juice mixture.
- If that stays down, wait 5 minutes and try another teaspoon.
- Repeat with another teaspoon 5 minutes later.
- Once you’ve had 3-5 teaspoons, you’ll be ready for a tablespoon every 5-10 minutes.
- Once you’ve had 4 tablespoons that equals 2 ounces!
Now you’re ready to sip the mixture from a cup. Aim for a total of 4 ounces every 2 hours.
In this way you can start to rehydrate and feel better.
Do call your provider if you’re unable to keep anything down for more than 6 hours.
I hope this helps!
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