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Dehydration

Description

Water is an essential part of our body. Roughly 70% of the human body is made up of water and it does wonders to our body. Water helps regulate our body temperature, cleanses toxins, protects organs and tissues, lubricates joints, lowers chances of heart disease, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells and prevents constipation.

Dehydration occurs when there is loss of water from the body or just not enough water in the body for it to work properly leading to alarming signs and symptoms.  

Causes
  • EXCESSIVE LOSS OF WATER
  1. Excessive sweating due to hot climate, heat stroke, high fever or cystic fibrosis
  2. Vomiting due to viral infections, gastroenteritis etc.
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Burn injury
  5. Polyuria (excessive urination) due to diabetes mellitus
  • INADEQUATE INTAKE
  1. Inadequate access to water (poor socio-economic status)
  2. Inability to drink due to herpes stomatitis, acute stomatitis or any other disability
Risk factors

Following people are more vulnerable of getting dehydrated:

  • Infants because they have a greater tendency of losing fluids quickly
  • Old adults because as we age our body’s fluid reserve become smaller.
  • People with uncontrollable and untreated diabetes
  • People who work or exercise outside
Symptoms
  • Muscle cramps because three quarters of muscle mass is made up of water
  • Rapid breathing and heart beat
  • Dizziness and headaches
  • Dry mouth and skin
  • Fever and chills
  • Thirst
  • Less urine
  • Constipation
  • Bad breath
  • Chills
  • Skin flushing
Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a thorough history and perform physical exam in an effort to determine the severity and cause of the dehydration. Following tests may also be advised:

  • CBC (a complete blood count test may identify an infection)
  • Blood cultures may identify the specific kind of infection.
  • Blood chemistries may identify electrolyte abnormalities caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Urine analysis may identify bladder infection, may give evidence of the severity of dehydration, and may identify sugar and ketones in urine (evidence of uncontrolled diabetes)
  • In some cases, the doctor may order other tests, such as a chest X-ray, a test to check for rotavirus, stool cultures, or lumbar puncture (a spinal tap).
Management
  • Rehydration using suitable fluid replacement called "oral rehydration solutions," or ORS is advised as soon as possible. Pedialyte freezer pops, or any similar product designed to replace fluids, sugar, and electrolytes (dissolved minerals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride) are advised for children. You can buy these products at most large grocery and drug stores.
  • Rest in a cool place and avoid any further exertion.
  • Reach for a glass of ionized alkaline mineral water. Water mixed with a few drops of lemon hydrates better than plain water.
  • If expecting a heat stroke in your region, make sure you eat bland foods and increase your fluid intake. Eat yogurt, bananas, watery fruits and vegetable, coconut water etc.
  • To prevent dehydration take a refillable water bottle with you when going out.
When to consult a doctor?

Consult a doctor if you or a loved one has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more, is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual, has bloody or black stool.

Available Medicine for Dehydration