Dehydration

Overview

Dehydration takes place when your body loses more fluid than you drink. Common causes include excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left unaddressed, dehydration can lead to dangerous complications.

Types of Dehydration

1. Hypertonic Dehydration: Results from excessive water loss without a proportional loss of electrolytes. Common causes include sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Isotonic Dehydration: Both water and electrolytes are lost in equal proportions. Illnesses with continuous vomiting or diarrhea often lead to isotonic dehydration.
3. Hypotonic Dehydration: Primarily caused by electrolyte loss, hypotonic dehydration can occur due to kidney disorders or excessive water intake without electrolyte replacement.

Causes of Dehydration

1. Excessive Sweating: Physical activity, hot weather, or intense exercise can lead to significant fluid loss through sweat.
2. Vomiting and Diarrhea: These conditions expel water and electrolytes from the body.
3. Illnesses: Continuous vomiting or diarrhea due to illnesses can cause dehydration.
4. Chronic Conditions: People with chronic illnesses may be at higher risk.

Risk Factors of Dehydration

1. Athletes: Especially those exposed to direct sun or intense physical activity.
2. Outdoor Workers: Individuals working in high temperatures (e.g., welders, landscapers, construction workers).
3. Older Adults: Age-related changes affect hydration.
4. High Altitudes: Residents of mountainous regions are prone to dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Preventions of Dehydration

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 92 fluid ounces (11.5 cups) for women and 124 fluid ounces (15.5 cups) for men daily.
2. Increase Intake: Athletes and those in high temperatures should increase water consumption.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat: Limit exposure to extreme heat.
4. Monitor Urine Color: Light yellow indicates proper hydration.

Diagnosis of Dehydration

1. Clinical Assessment: Based on symptoms and physical examination.
2. Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to assess electrolyte levels.

Treatment for Dehydration

1. Oral Rehydration: Drinking water and electrolyte-rich fluids.
2. IV Fluids: Severe cases require intravenous hydration.
3. Address Underlying Causes: Treat vomiting, diarrhea, or other contributing factors.

When to seek medical attention ?

1. Persistent Symptoms: Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve.
2. Severe Dehydration: Immediate medical attention needed.