HOW TO DEAL WITH DEHYDRATION

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water to function correctly. Based on how much fluid is lacking in your body, you can have moderate, mild, or severe body dehydration.

The human body contains about 75% water – therefore, it will simply not be able to survive without water. Water is present in the blood, arteries, and inside and between body cells. Our brain detects low water levels and alerts us to drink more water. If dehydration sets in, the body can also transfer water to the most required locations. Although we lose water from breathing, sweating, urinating, and defecating throughout the day, we can replenish it by consuming fluids, thus preventing dehydration. 

Causes of dehydration

Many factors are responsible for body dehydration. These factors include not drinking enough water, illness, hectic schedules, or not having access to safe drinking water, especially during high-intensity activities like traveling, trekking, or camping.

Some of the causes of dehydration are as follows:

• Diarrhea and vomiting: Acute diarrhea, or sudden and violent diarrhea, can cause enormous water and electrolyte loss in a short time. When you have both vomiting and diarrhea, you tend to lose plenty of fluids and minerals. This may lead to hypertonic dehydration – an imbalance of salts and fluids in your body.
• Fever: If you have a high fever, you are more likely to become dehydrated. Moreover, this body dehydration can considerably worsen if you have diarrhea or vomiting along with it.
• Excessive sweating: In hot and humid conditions, perspiration (sweating) and liquid loss both increase in your body. In simple words, you lose water when you sweat. If you participate in a rigorous activity and do not replenish fluids as you go, you may experience hypertonic dehydration. 
• Increased urination: This can be the outcome of undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes. Dehydration can also occur because of drugs that force you to urinate more frequently, such as diuretics, that are given to patients with kidney disorders. Some blood pressure medications have the same effect.

Signs of dehydration

Thirst is not a good measure of how much water the body needs. Many people, especially the elderly, do not realize they are thirsty until they are dehydrated. It is important to drink more water in hot weather or during sickness.

Signs of dehydration in a young child or an infant:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears while crying
• No wet diapers for three hours
• Sunken eyes and cheekbones
• A soft hollow place on the top of the skull
• Irritability or listlessness

Signs of dehydration in adults:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• A small amount of dark yellow urine or no urine for eight hours when urinating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache

If you have the above symptoms, it is time to rehydrate immediately by sipping on water or fluids with electrolytes such as sports drinks. The effects of dehydration are drastic and can cause serious health problems, so make sure you get plenty of fluids every day, especially when it is hot outside, or you are suffering from an illness.

Prevention of dehydration and when to treat dehydration

Having plenty of water is important to treat dehydration. Letting thirst be your guide is a good daily guideline for most healthy people. These are some instances and indications for which you may need to consume extra fluids and treat the effects of dehydration properly:

• Before strenuous exercise

It is preferable to begin hydrating the day before a physically demanding exercise. It is a good sign that you are hydrated if you have a lot of clear, dilute pee. During the workout, consume fluids at regular intervals, and drink water or other fluids after you are finished.

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

If you or your child has diarrhea or vomiting as the first indication of an illness, start taking or giving them extra water or ORS (oral rehydration solution). ORS is among the most popular home remedies for dehydration as it replenishes the electrolytic balance in your body as well. Do not wait until you or your child are completely dehydrated to seek help.

• Cold or hot weather

Drink sufficient water in hot and humid weather to help reduce your body temperature and replace the fluids you lose from sweating. In cold weather, especially at higher elevations, you may require more water to avoid moisture loss from dry air.

• Illness

Mild ailments, such as influenza, bronchitis, and bladder infections, are the most common causes of dehydration in the elderly. Ensure you drink plenty of water if you are not feeling well.

Complications of dehydration

Dehydration can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Heat injury: Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be a drastic effect of dehydration and can be life-threatening.
• Kidney stones: Dehydration increases the concentration of minerals in your urine, leading to kidney stones.
• Urinary tract infections: Dehydration can concentrate your urine and promote bacterial growth, leading to a urinary tract infection.
• Seizures: Dehydration can cause low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, leading to seizures. When your electrolytes are out of balance, your body’s usual electrical signals are confusing, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions and, in rare situations, loss of consciousness.
• Hypoglycemic shock: This medical emergency occurs when severe dehydration causes a drop in blood volume.

Conclusion

Dehydration causes a mild to potentially serious problem, especially for older adults. Drink plenty of fluids every day, especially when it is hot outside, or you are ill. ORS is among the most effective drinks for dehydration. Let thirst be your guide, and if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, rehydrate immediately by drinking water or fluids with electrolytes. Dehydration can cause serious health problems; hence, get plenty of fluids daily. To get your medication for dehydration delivered right to your place, visit Wellness Forever now!

FAQs

Q. Who is at risk for dehydration?

(a) Infants and young children

(b) Older adults

(c) People with chronic illnesses

(d) Pregnant or breastfeeding women

(e) People who exercise frequently

Q. How can I prevent dehydration?

(A) The classic way to avoid dehydration is to have plenty of drinks every day. It would help if you also drink more water, fresh juices, and electrolyte-replenishing drinks when exercising, in hot weather, or while suffering from an illness. Infants and young children are at a higher risk for dehydration; hence, it is important to ensure they get enough fluids.

Q. When to see a doctor?

(A) Dehydration is a mild condition that can lead to complications if not treated promptly. Call your doctor if you or your child experiences dry mouth, lack of urination, headache, muscle cramps, and constipation.