Dehydration is condition that results when there is loss of excess fluid from the body. Two-thirds of the human body is composed of water, which helps in various functions such as digestion, the flushing out of wastes and toxins. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, and does not have enough fluids to work properly.
When excess water is lost from the body, it causes imbalance that can disrupts the usual levels of salts and sugars present in the blood. This can interfere with the way the body functions as organs, cells, and tissues may fail to function as they should, which can lead to dangerous complications.
Dehydration can be mild or severe, and common causes often include:
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Diarrhea
- Excessive urinating due to illness
- Not drinking adequate amounts of water
SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION
The symptoms may differ depending on whether the condition is mild or severe. Symptoms of dehydration may begin to appear before total dehydration takes place.
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry skin
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Intense thirst
- Dry mouth
- A reduction in the frequency of urination
- Dark-colored urine with strong smell
HOW TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION
The key to preventing dehydration is making sure that you get enough fluids. Tips to avoid dehydration include:
- Drink enough water every day. Be sure to ask your health care provider how much you should be drinking each day.
- Drink extra fluids when the weather is hot or when you are sick
- If you are exercising in the heat and losing a lot of minerals in sweat, sports drinks can be helpful in replenishing lost fluids
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid drinks that have sugar and are fizzy
HOW TO TREAT
The treatment for dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you have lost.
For those able to drink, drinking water along with an electrolyte-containing re-
hydration drink, such as a low-sugar sports or electrolyte drink, may be recommended.
Re-hydration by drinking may not be possible for all people, like those who have severe diarrhea or vomiting. Severe cases may be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital. A small IV tube is inserted in a vein in the arm or hand, and it provides a solution that’s often a mix of water and electrolytes.
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