Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
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Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is a condition in which the body does not have enough fluid to function properly. Since the human body consists of approximately 60 percent water, adequate fluid intake is essential for virtually every bodily process. Even mild fluid loss can noticeably impair physical and mental performance.
Causes
Dehydration can be triggered by a variety of factors:
- Insufficient fluid intake: Not drinking enough, especially in hot weather or during physical activity
- Increased fluid loss: Excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever
- Medical conditions: Diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, or hormonal disorders can disrupt fluid balance
- Medications: Diuretics (water pills) increase fluid excretion through the kidneys
- Older age: Older adults often have a reduced sense of thirst and are therefore at higher risk
Symptoms
The symptoms of dehydration depend on the severity of fluid loss:
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
- Thirst
- Dry mouth and mucous membranes
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Severe Dehydration
- Greatly reduced or absent urination
- Confusion and altered consciousness
- Rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure
- Sunken eyes and reduced skin turgor (skin elasticity)
- Seizures (in extreme cases)
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made clinically based on symptoms and physical examination. The following tests may be used to confirm and assess severity:
- Blood tests: Measurement of electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium), kidney function markers (creatinine, urea), and hematocrit
- Urine tests: Assessment of color, concentration, and specific gravity of urine
- Body weight: Acute weight loss may indicate significant fluid loss
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of dehydration:
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
In most cases, oral fluid replacement is sufficient. Suitable options include water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-containing beverages. For dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are especially effective, as they contain water, sugar, and salts in optimal proportions.
Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration requires hospital treatment. Fluids are administered directly through an intravenous (IV) infusion to rapidly restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Prevention
In most cases, dehydration can be prevented with simple measures:
- Drink fluids regularly, even without feeling thirsty – the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an average daily intake of about 2 liters of water for adults
- Increase fluid intake during heat, exercise, or illness
- Monitor urine color: pale yellow urine indicates good hydration
- Older adults should be actively reminded to drink regularly
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): The treatment of diarrhoea – A manual for physicians and other senior health workers. WHO Press, Geneva, 2005.
- Popkin BM, D'Anci KE, Rosenberg IH: Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews, 2010; 68(8): 439-458.
- Maughan RJ et al.: IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2018; 52(7): 439-455.
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Related search terms: Dehydration + Dehydratation + Desiccation + Fluid Depletion