Dehydration

Feeling thirsty is normal in hot weather, for example, but when the body becomes dehydrated, then it’s a serious condition that leads to severe complications if it isn’t managed.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition where the body loses a huge amount of water without replacing it. Water makes up about 78% of the body volume, and it’s essential in numerous vital processes in it.

Dehydration could affect anyone at any age, but it’s more serious in children and the elderly.

Causes of dehydration

Dehydration might occur due to simple causes, such as not drinking enough water intentionally or unintentionally. Other reasons include the following:

• Excessive diarrhea and vomiting.
• Excessive sweating.
• High fever.
• Increased urination due to certain causes, such as taking diuretics.
• The risk of dehydration increases in people with some conditions like uncontrolled diabetes and kidney disease, in addition to people who work in hot and humid weather.

Symptoms of dehydration

Dehydration might not cause symptoms in some cases, which include the following:

Symptoms in children and infants

• Less urination times.
• Crying without tears.
• Dry lips and tongue.
• Sunken soft spot on the top of the head.
• Sunken eyes and cheeks.
• Dry and wrinkled skin.
• Rapid breathing.
• Irritability.

Symptoms in adults

• Being very thirsty.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Dry mouth.
• Low blood pressure.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Dark urine and fewer urination times.
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• Chills.
• Muscle cramps.

Complications of dehydration

• Extremely high fever and heatstroke.
• Electrolyte imbalance (important minerals in the body).
• Liver and kidney problems.
• Seizures.
• Shock and coma.
• Death in some cases.

Diagnosis of dehydration

• Diagnosis is usually done depending on the physical examination and the symptoms.
• Some cases might need blood and urine tests.

Treatment of dehydration

• Treating dehydration is done by replacing the water and electrolytes that the body has lost, and the method of the replacing depends on how dehydrated the body is.
• When a child is dehydrated, you must contact the doctor immediately while continuing to breastfeed or give water and fluids, depending on the age.
• Adults must have water and fluids continuously until the symptoms are improved.
• In case of severe dehydration, the patient needs immediate emergency care and IV fluids.

Prevention of dehydration

• Drink enough water.
• Replace lost water while exercising or doing any effort.
• Replace lost water in diarrhea and vomiting.
• Pay attention to drinking water in hot and humid weather.