Human beings have certain extent of liquid content inside their bodies and this liquid level is retained by taking in water, juices etc. inside the body. But when people lose more amount of fluid than they take in, due to any reason, dehydration takes place. Every day an adult loses about 2. 5 liters of liquid from their body, because of excretion, breathing and sweating, which should be compensated urgently. The essential minerals, maintaining the electrolyte balance of the body also gets disturbed due to it. Dehydration can lead to serious after effects.
Common causes of Dehydration
The commonest cause of dehydration is diarrhea and vomiting. Diarrhea makes the body lose large amount of water and electrolytes from the body and about 1. 5 million children, including infants, die from diarrhea dehydration from all over the world. High fever can also cause dehydration. People who sweat excessively are prone to dehydration. Vigorous exercising, tedious physical activities and humid, warm weather conditions are few reasons contributing to the causes of dehydration. Too much urination causes fluid loss leading towards dehydration. Third degree burn patients are also prone to dehydration.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Mild dehydration manifests first with sticky and dry mouth. Often children and adults facing this problem at a moderate level feel low, sleepy and inactive. Urination reduces noticeably and the continuous thirst is felt. Mild or severe headache and weakness of the muscles are two other symptoms of dehydration. Acute dehydration is considered an emergency by the doctors. The mucous membranes, skin and mouth becomes extremely dry, urination stops and the patient starts feeling dizzy. Blood pressures falls drastically, heartbeat increases all of a sudden and body temperature increases in this case.
Risks related to Dehydration
As far infants and kids are concerned, most of them fall sick and even lead to death because of dehydration, as a result of diarrhea. In adults, the body’s capacity to retain fluid reduces and they become inclined to dehydration. There are certain other diseases which are closely related to dehydration and they are diabetes, kidney problems, alcoholism, cystic fibrosis etc. The athletes, suffering from dehydration will see a remarkable fall in their endurance level. People residing at the higher altitudes are open to the risk of dehydration.
Diagnosis of Dehydration
If you are suffering from any or all of the above symptoms, you should reach a doctor at the earliest so that he can perform certain tests to diagnose the problem and start the treatment. Sometimes blood tests are performed to check the electrolyte content (potassium and sodium) of the body. Urinalysis is another test performed frequently to check the specific gravity, color and composition of the urine.
Prevention of Dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration is drinking plenty of fluids regularly. After finishing exercise, take rest for sometime and drink adequate water. In hot atmosphere and illness conditions, fluid intake should be increased. It is advisable to carry a bottle of pure water whenever you are away from home for long hours.
