DANGERS OF DEHYDRATION

Water is constantly lost throughout the day in our bodies as we breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate. We can replenish or replace the water in our body by drinking fluids. The body can also move water around to areas where it is needed most if it starts feeling dehydrated.

Most occurrences of dehydration can be easily reversed by increasing fluid intake, but severe cases of dehydration require immediate medical attention.

Majorly, the first symptoms of dehydration include thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. In fact, urine color is one of the best indicators of a person's hydration level - clear urine means you are well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.

However, it is important to note that, particularly in older adults, dehydration can occur without thirst. This is why it is important to drink water regularly, more especially during hotter weather or when ill.

In moderate dehydration, symptoms to look out includes:

dry mouth

lethargy

weakness in muscles

headache

dizziness

CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION

The basic causes of dehydration are not taking in enough water, losing too much water, or a combination of both.

Most of the times, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example).

Some other factors cause dehydration, they include:

Diarrhea -  The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration and most at times death.

Vomiting - leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.

Sweating – This is simply our bodies cooling mechanism. Our body's releases a significant amount of water. Hot weather and vigorous physical activity can increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.

Diabetes - high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss.

Frequent urination - usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.

Burns - blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.

Although dehydration can happen to anyone, some people are at a greater risk. Those at most risk include:

Athletes, especially those in endurance events, such as marathons, triathlons, and cycling tournaments. Dehydration can undermine performance in sports, as this article explains.

People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, and adrenal gland disorders.

Infants and children - most commonly due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Dehydration in older adults is also common; sometimes this occurs because they drink less water so that they do not need to get up for the toilet as often. There are also changes in the brain meaning that thirst does not always occur.

COMPLICATIONS OF DEHYDRATION

If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to complications such as:

Low blood volume - less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.

Kidney problems - including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.

Heat injury - ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

DIAGNOSIS OF DEHYDRATION

A doctor use both physical and mental exams to diagnose dehydration. A patient presenting symptoms such as disorientation, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, lack of sweat, and inelastic skin will usually be considered dehydrated.

Blood tests are often employed to test kidney function and to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are chemicals that regulate hydration in the body and are crucial for nerve and muscle function. A urine analysis will provide very useful information to help diagnose dehydration. In a dehydrated person, urine will be darker in color and more concentrated - containing a certain level of compounds called ketones.

To diagnose dehydration in infants, doctors usually check for a sunken soft spot on the skull. They may also look for a loss of sweat and certain muscle tone characteristics.

TREATMENTS

Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.

Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication. This may include anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics (stop vomiting), and anti-fever medicines.

PREVENTION

Prevention is really the most important treatment for dehydration. Consuming lots of fluids and foods that have high water content (such as fruits and vegetables) should be enough for most people to prevent dehydration.

People should be cautious about doing activities during extreme heat or the hottest part of the day, and anyone who is exercising should make replenishing fluids a priority.

Since the elderly and very young are most at risk of being dehydrated, special attention should be given to them to make sure they are receiving enough fluids.