Dehydration

What is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. Your body does not have enough water to carry out normal functions.

While thirst is a sign, by the time you feel thirsty, you are usually already slightly dehydrated. The best indicator is urine color: Clear/Pale = Good, while Dark Yellow/Amber = Dehydrated.

Symptoms by Age

Dehydration looks different in adults than it does in babies. Watch for these signs:

1. Infants & Young Children

• Dry mouth and tongue.
• No tears when crying.
• No wet diapers for 3 hours.
• Sunken eyes or sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head.
• Listlessness or irritability.

2. Adults

• Extreme thirst.
• Less frequent urination.
• Dark-colored urine.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness or confusion.

⚠️ EMERGENCY WARNING
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Inability to keep down fluids (persistent vomiting).
• Bloody or black stool.
• Confusion or fainting (signs of shock).
• No urination for 24 hours.

Causes

Dehydration isn't just about not drinking water. It is often caused by illness or environment:

• Diarrhea & Vomiting: The most common cause in children. You lose water and electrolytes rapidly.
• Fever: The higher your fever, the more dehydrated you become.
• Excessive Sweating: Vigorous exercise in hot weather without replacing fluids.
• Increased Urination: Can be due to undiagnosed diabetes or diuretics (blood pressure meds).

Complications

Ignoring dehydration can lead to severe health issues:

• Heat Injury: Ranging from mild cramps to life-threatening Heat Stroke.
• Kidney Failure: Kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from the blood.
• Hypovolemic Shock: Low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and oxygen, which can be fatal.
• Seizures: An imbalance of electrolytes (sodium/potassium) can mix up electrical signals in the brain.

Diagnosis

Doctors often diagnose it physically (checking skin elasticity or sunken eyes). Tests may include:

• Blood Tests: To check kidney function and electrolyte levels.
• Urinalysis: To determine the degree of dehydration.

Treatment

The goal is to replace lost fluids and lost electrolytes.

1. Sick Children (Diarrhea/Vomiting)

• Use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Products like Pedialyte are better than water because they contain the exact balance of sugar and salt needed.
• Small Sips: If vomiting, give a teaspoon of fluid every few minutes. Large gulps may trigger more vomiting.
• Continue Breastfeeding: Do not stop breastfeeding, but offer ORS in between if needed.
• Avoid: Fruit juices and soda, as the high sugar content can make diarrhea worse.

2. Adults & Athletes

• Mild Dehydration: Drink water or sports drinks containing electrolytes.
• Exercise: Cool water is best. Sports drinks are useful for long-duration intense exercise to replace salt lost in sweat.
• Avoid: Alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.

3. Severe Dehydration

Go to the ER. Severe cases require intravenous (IV) fluids to bypass the stomach and hydrate the organs immediately.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.