Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Dry skin and lips
• Dark urine or decreased urine output
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Fainting or passing out
• Palpitations
• A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up suddenly from a seated or lying down position

Signs of dehydration in infants may include:

• Wrinkled skin
• Urinates only one to two times per day, indicating less frequent diaper changes
• Being drowsy or irritable
• A sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head
• Sunken eyes
• Few or no tears when they cry
• Cool, discolored hands and feet
• Sleeping too much

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of dehydration in adults explained in detail. Click to read.

The adult human body is composed of up to 60% water. To keep cells and tissues healthy, it must maintain a delicate balance of fluids and electrolytes (including sodium chloride, potassium, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate). Water is primarily absorbed through the digestive tract. The kidneys remove waste and excess fluid and excrete it as urine.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid and electrolytes than it takes in, resulting in insufficient amounts to function normally. A lack of fluid disrupts that balance and jeopardizes your body's ability to regulate its temperature and function properly.

The various causes of dehydration include:

• Prolonged physical activity with excessive sweating without consuming adequate water, especially in a hot and/or dry environment
• Prolonged exposure to dry air, e.g., in high-flying airplanes (5% to 12% relative humidity)
• Blood loss due to physical trauma
• High altitude
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Long-term fasting
• Recent rapid weight loss
• Inability to swallow
• Excessive use of caffeine and other stimulants
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Severe burns

Some infectious diseases that may cause dehydration include:

• Gastroenteritis
• Cholera
• Typhoid fever
• Yellow fever
• Malaria

Medical conditions that are usually associated with dehydration include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetes insipidus
• Addison disease
• Salt-wasting nephropathies
• Hypoaldosteronism
• Intestinal obstruction
• Acute pancreatitis

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

• Babies and infants - Babies have a low body weight and are sensitive to even minor fluid loss.
• Older people - Older individuals may be less aware that they are becoming dehydrated and need to keep drinking water to avoid dehydration.
• People with long-term health conditions - Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or alcoholism, may be at a higher risk of developing dehydration.
• Athletes - Athletes can lose a significant amount of bodily fluid through sweat during prolonged workouts.

The doctor often diagnoses dehydration based on physical signs and symptoms.

Physical examination: Absence of tears, sunken eyes, palpated pressure, dry mucous membrane, thirst, change in blood pressure, and other indicators are all part of the physical examination.

To pinpoint the level of dehydration, the doctor may request a few tests, such as:

• Blood tests: Blood samples may be used to rule out the root cause of infection (virus, bacteria, or fungal) and to check levels of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine.
• Urinalysis: Urine tests can determine whether you are dehydrated and to what extent. They can also check for signs of a bladder infection and the presence of crystals or kidney stones.
• Urine toxicology: Some medications, such as marijuana, can lead to dehydration. For instance, methamphetamine is a drug that may be tested in urine toxicology.

Note: Babies and children may not exhibit the same signs of dehydration as adults. If your baby or child shows signs of dehydration, contact their doctor for advice.

Here are some ways to keep dehydration at bay:

• Examine the inside of your mouth for signs of dehydration. A healthy mucus membrane should be red, moist, and have good turgor. You can check this by looking inside your mouth.
• Drink the recommended amount of fluids even if you are not physically active. Don't wait until you're thirsty; drink fluids throughout the day, whether you're thirsty or not.
• If you plan to exercise or participate in sports, increase your water intake. Drink water or electrolytes after exercise as well.
• Have extra electrolytes on hand whenever you are ill, such as when you have a fever, vomiting, dysentery, or diarrhea, as this can result in fluids or electrolyte loss.
• In hot weather, dress coolly and avoid being out in direct sunlight if possible. Also, drink more water.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. They are high in water, salt, and vitamins and can help prevent dehydration.
• Limit your intake of coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. They are diuretics, which means they remove water.

Prevention tips for babies and children:

• Children can become dehydrated just like adults. If your child is very physically active or it's a warm day, ensure they consume plenty of water or other fluids.
• You can try a baby version of a sports drink, like Pedialyte or Equalyte.

The treatment of dehydration depends on age, the severity of dehydration, and its cause. You may also be treated for diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever if the illness caused dehydration.

For Babies:

• Feed your infant plenty of liquids, such as formula or breast milk. Prefer giving smaller amounts of fluid more regularly.
• Do not dilute your baby's formula (if you use it). Extra water can be given to formula-fed and solid-fed babies.
• Avoid giving your baby fruit juice, particularly if they have diarrhea and vomiting, as it can aggravate their condition.
• In addition to their regular feed (breast milk, formula milk, and water), giving your infant regular sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) will help to replace lost fluids, salts, and sugars.

For Infants and Children:

The most important treatment for young children suffering from vomiting or diarrhea is to keep them hydrated. This entails providing ample amounts of breast milk, formula, electrolyte solution, or other fluids. Infants and children who have become dehydrated due to diarrhea, vomiting, or fever should not be given only water, as it can dilute the already low mineral levels in their body, exacerbating the problem. Instead, they should have diluted squash or oral rehydration salts (ORS).

If you or your child is having trouble keeping fluids down due to vomiting, take smaller quantities more regularly. You may find it easier to give your child small amounts of fluid using a spoon or a syringe.

Mild Dehydration:

Dehydration causes the loss of sugar, salts, and water. It is frequently treated by drinking rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes and help restore electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.

Severe Dehydration:

For moderate to severe dehydration, you may need IV (intravenous) fluids. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately with IV fluids in a hospital. Even if patients receive intravenous (IV) rehydration, they should start drinking ORS as soon as they are able. Babies, infants, and elderly individuals will need urgent treatment if they become dehydrated.

Medications:

Based on the cause of dehydration, you may be given medicines such as acetaminophen (to treat fever), antidiarrheal medications, and antiemetic medications (to treat vomiting).

Home Remedies:

• Coconut Water: Coconut water has adequate potassium and glucose content along with chloride and sodium, making it a healthy drink for dehydration and diarrhea.
• Lemon Water: Also known as nimbu paani, it acts as an effective home remedy for dehydration by increasing water intake and replenishing lost salts in the body when salt and sugar are added.
• Orange Juice: It contains vitamin C, which flushes toxins from the body, and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that help replenish nutrient levels.
• Yogurt: Add a pinch of salt to yogurt and consume it daily to prevent dehydration. Yogurt is rich in electrolytes and can help combat dehydration.
• Chamomile: This herb serves as a rehydrating agent. You can drink it as a decaffeinated tea to replenish lost fluids and maintain hydration.

A few measures and lifestyle changes can help in the prevention of dehydration:

• Drink as much water as possible each day (8–10 glasses of 8 ounces).
• Stay hydrated, especially if you're unwell.
• Increase your fluid consumption if it's hot and humid outside to replenish the water lost by sweating.
• Rest in cool places, and avoid exercising if you feel dehydrated.
• Avoid drinking coffee, soda, or any other beverage with a high sugar content if you are dehydrated and also have gastroenteritis or another illness, as both caffeine and soda may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Consume bland foods during dehydrated conditions.
• Have sports drinks if you feel dehydrated after strenuous physical activity.

Along with these lifestyle changes, certain foods can also help you deal with dehydration at home. They include:

• Bananas: High in water and potassium, bananas can help replenish potassium levels in the body and prevent dehydration.
• Buttermilk: Packed with nutrients like magnesium and high in water content, buttermilk is easy on the stomach and acts as a natural probiotic that aids in dealing with diarrhea and indigestion, which could be the reason for dehydration.
• Barley Water: Barley grains contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help restore minerals and water when taken in the form of barley water.
• Homemade ORS: Mix a half teaspoon of salt, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and 4 cups of water until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Drink the solution multiple times a day, consuming up to 3 liters in a day.

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• Asparagus (Shatavari): A wonderful source of water, fiber, and electrolytes, asparagus helps prevent dehydration, replenishes lost fluids, and regulates the body's fluid balance. It also acts as an antioxidant to protect the body's cells from damage caused by dehydration.
• Willow Bark: With anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, willow bark may help ease some signs of dehydration, such as headaches and muscle aches.
• Ginger (Adrak): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger may help relieve nausea, which can be a symptom of dehydration.

Want to know more about home remedies for dehydration? Click here to read.

Left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious complications. These include:

• Heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
• Urinary and kidney problems such as kidney stones or kidney failure.
• Electrolyte imbalances (such as sodium and potassium) that can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and seizures.
• Shock, coma, or death.
• Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock) occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your body.
• Altered mental status and confused thinking.

Can dehydration affect brain activity?

As the brain is composed of about 75% water, dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can lead to impaired cognitive performance, including attention, concentration, and memory.

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• Acupuncture and Acupressure: Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques commonly used to manage chronic vomiting. During acupuncture, a therapist inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure aims to stimulate the same points of the body but uses pressure instead of needles. Both techniques stimulate nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord and are believed to decrease nausea.
• Aromatherapy: This type of therapy may help relieve nausea and vomiting, although studies on its effectiveness are mixed. To practice aromatherapy, try deep breathing with an open essential oil bottle, using an essential oil diffuser, or adding a few drops to a cotton ball. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, consult your doctor before diffusing essential oils.

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