Cancer and Dehydration | Ward Dean MD

If untreated, dehydration is a dangerous condition that can be fatal. Staying hydrated is crucial for all individuals, especially if you're a terminal cancer patient. According to studies, dehydration is a symptom of cancer therapy, along with vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can also result from infections, high fevers, bleeding, or not drinking enough water.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, you should be aware of issues related to dehydration and take adequate measures to prevent it. You can follow our guide to learn more about chronic dehydration and cancer.

Four Things You Should Know About Cancer and Dehydration

1. Symptoms of Feeling Dehydrated
Doctors claim that if you lightly squeeze and pull up your skin and it remains upright in a “tent”, you are dehydrated. Additional signs include:

Dry mouth
Crinkled and loose skin
Dry, thick body secretions
Little or non-existent urination
Dark-colored urine
Headache
Light-headedness /dizziness

If you identify these signs, consult your doctor immediately.

2. Keep Track of Your Fluid Intake and Output
Without measuring it, it's difficult to determine how much fluid you're losing. Keep track of how frequently you havediarrhea or vomiting rather than measuring your output. It’s also important to track how much water you drink per day. You can do this by using a water bottle or cup that holds a specific amount of liquid.

3. If You Can’t Keep Fluids Down, Try Ice or Little Sips of Liquids
Your fluid intake can be increased by ingesting little bits of ice. The drawback is that it takes a substantial amount of ice to have an effect. Try juice, bouillon, water, soda, or whatever else you can stand. Avoid caffeine and alcohol since they may make dehydration worse.

4. Treat Fluid Loss When the First Signs of Dehydration Appear
Treating symptoms that are causing dehydration is the first step. To get advice on how to handle these symptoms, consult your doctor or nurse. The next stage is to keep consuming fluids to make up for those you've lost.