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Dehydration – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Even mild dehydration can cause symptoms and, if left untreated, may become life-threatening.
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Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Even mild dehydration can cause symptoms and, if left untreated, may become life-threatening.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluid to carry out its normal functions. Water is essential to life and makes up approximately 60% of an adult body. Even a small reduction in body fluid can lead to noticeable symptoms and impaired physical and mental performance.
Causes
Dehydration can result from a wide range of factors:
- Insufficient fluid intake: Not drinking enough water, especially during physical activity, hot weather, or in older adults.
- Excessive fluid loss: Through heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, or certain hormonal disorders can increase fluid loss.
- Medications: Diuretics (water pills) promote the excretion of fluids through the kidneys.
- Vulnerable groups: Infants, elderly individuals, and pregnant women are at higher risk of dehydration.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dehydration vary depending on severity:
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
- Thirst
- Dry mouth and mucous membranes
- Reduced urine output, dark-colored urine
- Headache and dizziness
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Severe Dehydration
- Significantly reduced or absent urination
- Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity (skin turgor)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate professional treatment.
Diagnosis
Dehydration is typically diagnosed through:
- Clinical examination: Assessment of skin turgor, mucous membranes, and overall condition of the patient.
- Laboratory tests: Blood and urine tests to measure electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium), urea, creatinine, and urine osmolality.
- Vital signs: Monitoring of blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of dehydration:
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
- Increased oral fluid intake, preferably water or electrolyte-containing beverages.
- In cases of diarrhea or vomiting: oral rehydration salts (ORS) as recommended by the WHO.
Severe Dehydration
- Hospital admission with intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
- Electrolyte correction under medical supervision.
- Treatment of the underlying cause.
Prevention
In many cases, dehydration can be prevented with simple measures:
- Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, even without feeling thirsty – especially in hot weather and during exercise.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities recommend adults consume at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day.
- Act early when fluid loss increases due to illness.
- Pay special attention to fluid intake in children and elderly individuals.
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.
- Mange K, Matsuura D, Cizman B et al.: Language guiding therapy: the case of dehydration versus volume depletion. Annals of Internal Medicine, 1997; 127(9): 848–853.
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