Dehydration is a condition where the tissues of the human body are deprived of a sufficient level of water. This causes water to be drained from all the tissues of the human body and prevents the membranes from becoming hydrated.
Dehydration is the manifestation of the incorrect balance of key electrolytes in the body which negatively impacts the absorption of vital minerals and nutrients. When an individual is dehydrated, the important cellular processes, muscle activity, and heartbeat are affected. The consequences of dehydration can be debilitating for any person of any age.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms?
If you want to improve your health, you should understand how to prevent illnesses and not just treat them. How do you know if you’re not hydrated enough?
The common symptoms include dry mouth, increased urge to urinate, loss of appetite and thirst. Other symptoms may also occur including nausea, chills, abdominal pain, cramps, and blurred vision or double vision. Prolonged dehydration is dangerous. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention.
- Severe dehydration occurs when there’s an unusually long lag between drinking and urinating. Symptoms may range from excessive thirst and hunger, vomiting, nausea, lethargy, and muscle weakness. Among the top complications of extreme cases are hyponatremia, shock, and cardiac arrest. In most instances, medications are administered immediately for severe cases. If the above-mentioned methods don’t successfully alleviate the problem, drastic measures such as intravenous fluids may be required.
- The severity may be dependent on the duration of time since last consuming a substantial amount of fluids, as well as the amount you’ve consumed recently, in which case you may resort to a white tongue remedy. To establish the degree of dehydration you’re experiencing, you will probably be tested with a urine test, but a blood test may also help determine levels of hydration.
How Common Is Dehydration?
Dehydration is a common problem, especially in hot weather when it’s not uncommon for people to lose a lot of water through sweating. It’s a condition that many people develop without even knowing about it.
Here are other instances when dehydration may happen:
- A lack of hydration can happen if you’re exercising, participating in strenuous activities, exerting too much energy, and not getting enough liquids, such as sports drinks, juice, and soup.
- Dehydration can also occur because you’re exposed to hot temperatures for long periods, which can make you feel tired, weak, and shaky.
- Although dehydration is usually caused by loss of water through sweating, it can also occur because of vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of more serious dehydration problems should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
- In children, a lack of hydration is often caused by fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms of dehydration in infants and young children include crying, slow breathing, dimpled cheeks and small droplets of saliva Symptoms also include, low body weight, frequent urination, frequent diarrhea, and vomiting up to four times a day. These symptoms are extremely serious and should be treated right away. The more severe the signs in infants and young children experience, the greater the risk of life-threatening medical conditions including hypothermia and coma.
How Is Dehydration Treated?
Dehydration can have different effects on different people. It’s important to treat it promptly following its onset to avoid the complications that occur when the problem persists. While mild dehydration usually clears up itself within a day or two, if it’s severe then it requires prompt medical intervention.
- Mild dehydration can often be treated by drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water. A less natural way could be with the use of a commercial product containing de-mineralized water, or a patient may respond well to a formula made from evaporated cane juice and salt.
- Severe dehydration is treated with a combination of rest, increased fluids, and providing the needed electrolytes.
How Is Dehydration Prevented?
There are several ways to treat dehydration, but it’s also preventable. Keep these in mind to prevent hydration issues from occurring:
- The simplest way to prevent dehydration is drinking lots of fluids and eating foods rich in fluids.
- You can prevent severe cases of dehydration by maintaining a regular intake of water. This can be done by drinking at least eight glasses of water every day, whether or not you’re thirsty.
- Avoid or limit your intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Avoid staying out in the sun for extended periods.
- You should also consider getting a humidifier to raise the humidity level in your home.
Conclusion
Dehydration is more common in people with certain diseases, so you should discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing with your doctor—including any changes in your appetite or urination patterns—to make sure that you’re not suffering from a disease that can cause hydration issues. Staying hydrated should be a priority for everyone because in some cases, dehydration can result in serious complications, such as brain damage and death.
NOTE: The information mentioned above is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure. Please seek additional guidance from a registered professional if you need further advice relating to your health needs.
