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Formerly known as California Oncology of the Central Valley Request an Appointment
Translate this page: EnglishEspañol
Formerly known as California Oncology of the Central Valley Request an Appointment

Dehydration

Dealing with Dehydration from Cancer Treatment

Staying hydrated is important because water helps move nutrients and toxins through the body, while also regulating the body’s temperature. Dehydration can be a direct side effect of treatment or arise as a result of another side effect, like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. The care team may be able to treat dehydration from cancer treatments by addressing the associated side effects.

Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration

  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Infrequent urination

Call the care team immediately if experiencing these symptoms:

  • Loss of 5% body weight in a week or less
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Muscle cramps
  • Thirst that does not stop when drinking water
  • Increased fatigue

Staying Hydrated

Unless the care team says otherwise, doctors usually recommend about 64 ounces of fluid consumption per day. All liquids contain some fluids—even some frozen foods, like ice creams, sorbets, and milkshakes serve as good sources of fluids. Coffee and tea are also viable options, but caffeinated beverages can be dehydrating, so decaf is a better option. Water is always ideal.

Thirst isn’t always the best indicator of hydration, so it can be helpful to track fluid intake, but the best tactic is to hydrate regularly throughout the day. It is also important to compensate for fever, diarrhea, or vomiting with additional fluid intake.

Tips for Avoiding Dehydration from Cancer Treatments

  • Keep a reusable water bottle on hand
  • Don’t just drink when thirsty—hydrate regularly throughout the day
  • Track progress on an app