Fluids during Ramadan and dehydration symptoms

Fluid needs depend on heat, activity, illness and medicines. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, older age and care needs deserve specific consideration. If heart or kidney disease requires fluid restriction, do not follow generic advice to drink lots; discuss a daily target and fasting suitability with your clinician. Fasting duration varies with season and location.

Stone type, kidney function and other illnesses affect prevention. A bottle’s pH alone cannot establish protection; water at pH 8 or above is not a universal recommendation. Clinicians can tailor fluid and food targets using stone, blood or urine findings when needed. Do not try to manage severe flank pain or fever at home by simply drinking more.

Thirst, dry mouth, reduced or darker urine and dizziness can accompany inadequate fluids. Urine colour alone is not diagnostic and can also be affected by medicines or foods. Monitor access to drinks for older people or those needing assistance. Extra losses from vomiting or diarrhoea may make the usual plan insufficient.

Do not wait until sunset with persistent dizziness, markedly reduced urine, rapid breathing or heartbeat or inability to keep fluids down; stop fasting and seek prompt care. Call 112 for altered awareness, inability to wake or severe breathlessness. Do not give oral water to someone with impaired consciousness or force large volumes on someone with a fluid restriction.