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Dehydration - Dehydration symptom, treatment, causes

Dehydration is a condition in which the amount of water in the body falls to a dangerously low level. Water makes up 50 per cent of body weight in women and 60 per cent in men. and the amount must remain within narrow limits for health. The water in the body also contains dissolved salts (mainly common salt) and other substances that for normal body function must be maintained within a narrow range. When a person is dehydrated. these critical balances may be disturbed Dehydration is normally prevented by the sensation of thirst. which tells us to drink when body water begins to fall.

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to dehydration in various ways. Often, dehydration becomes the major problem in an otherwise self-limited illness. Infants and children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults because of their smaller body weights and higher turnover of water and electrolytes. The elderly and those with illnesses are also at higher risk. This can happen when you stop drinking water or lose large amounts of fluid through diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or exercise. Dehydration symptoms generally become noticeable after 2% of one's normal water volume has been lost. Initially, one experiences thirst and discomfort, possibly along with loss of appetite and dry skin.This can be followed by constipation. Mild dehydration can cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Fluid loss may even be severe enough to become life-threatening. The risk from dehydration is particularly great in babies, infants and older people. Therefore, if they have the symptoms of dehydration, it is vital that they are treated immediately.

Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how much of the body's fluid is lost or not replenished. In moderate to severe dehydration, there may be no urine output at all. Other symptoms in these states include lethargy or extreme sleepiness, seizures, sunken fontanel (soft spot) in infants, fainting, and sunken eyes. Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics, which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause, dehydration should be treated as soon as possible. Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is one of the biggest single killers of children in the modern world and diarrhoea itself is one of the major causes of nutritional loss and poor growth. Dehydration can also lead to constipation and bloating as well. Some other symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and tongue, apathy and a lack of energy, and muscle cramping. The best treatment for minor dehydration is drinking water and stopping fluid loss. Water is preferable to sport drinks and other commercially-sold rehydration fluids, as the balance of electrolytes they provide may not match the replacement requirements of the individual.

Causes of Dehydration

Dehydration can be caused by excessive swe,ating in hot weather, high fever. intense exer-tion; severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, severe blood loss, or excessive urine production in diseases such as DIABITESMELLITUS and DIABETES INSIPIDUS, and in some types of KIDNEYFAILURE. The common causes and risk factor's of Dehydration include the following:

• Lack of fluid intake.
• Overexposure to sun or heat.
• Heavy sweating.
• Use of drugs that deplete fluids and electrolytes, such as diuretics.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise.
• Significant injuries to skin, such as burns or mouth sores, or severe skin diseases or infections.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydrated people develop a dry mouth and tongue; extreme thirst (though that may ease); dry, loose skin; fast heart and breathing rates; reduced urine production; extreme tiredness; dizziness; confusion; and evefltualloss of consciousness. If there has been loss of the salts normally dissolved in body fluids, there may be additional symptoms including generalised weakness, headache and muscle cramps. Some sign and symptoms related to Dehydration are as follows:

• Muscle weakness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Not producing tears.
• Sunken eyes.
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes.
• Lack of sweating.
• Severe thirst.
• Increase in heart rate and breathing.

Treatment of Dehydration

Water is given to the patient by mouth if possible. When the dehydration results from sweating., vomiting or diarrhoea, salt replace-ment is also usually needed. In severe cases of Dehydration, water-based fluids with added salts may have to be given intravenously. Here is list of the methods to treat Dehydration:

• Drinking fluids is usually sufficient for mild dehydration. It is better to have frequent, small amounts of fluid (using a teaspoon or syringe for an infant or child) rather than trying to force large amounts of fluid at one time.
• Electrolyte solutions or freezer pops are especially effective.
• Unless your doctor advises otherwise, use an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte for infants and children who have diarrhea, vomiting or fever.
• If you are severely dehydrated, hospitalisation may be required.
• Children with bacterial infections will receive antibiotics. In children, vomiting and diarrhea are almost never treated with drugs to stop vomiting (called antiemetics ) or antidiarrheals.

In hot weather you should drink enough to keep urine pale in colour. and eat salty foods as your appetite dictates. People suffering from high fever. vomiting or diarrhoea need to drink a large amount of water. Your doctor or pha-macis may suggest special drinks containing glucose and salt. Medical attention is needed in Dehydration if patients cannot drink or show any of the symptoms of dehydration. Infants must be watched carefully in hot weather and when they are ill, because they become dehydrated more quickly than older children and adults.