Dehydration, methods of treating it, and how to prevent it
Arabia Weather - Drought is not just an environmental problem that affects plants and animals, but rather it is a health challenge that can greatly affect human health, as many people around the world suffer from the effects of drought, whether as a result of climate changes or unexpected weather patterns, and in this The article will learn about dehydration, methods of treating it, and how to prevent it.
Drought
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body's fluid balance decreases to an extent that negatively affects its vital functions. A person constantly loses fluids from his body as a result of processes such as breathing, sweating, urination and defecation, in addition to loss through tears.
This loss is usually compensated for by drinking water and consuming foods and liquids that contain water. If the percentage of fluid loss exceeds the amount consumed, this can result in a state of dehydration in the body. If dehydration is not treated early, it can lead to serious health problems.
Causes of dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by many reasons, and is due to two main factors:
- Not meeting the body's water needs sufficiently , as a person needs certain amounts of fluids to maintain his balance.
- Exposure to health conditions or problems that lead to the loss of large amounts of water.
Common causes of dehydration include:
- Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of dehydration, as the body loses large amounts of fluids and electrolytes through this process and diarrhea can prevent the absorption of water from food.
- Vomiting Repeated vomiting can cause dehydration, as it is accompanied by a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, as it is difficult to drink water during vomiting.
- Frequent urination : An increase in the frequency of urination may be the result of medical conditions such as diabetes or the use of diuretics, which may lead to increased water loss and dehydration.
- Excessive sweating : Excessive sweating as a result of fever, strenuous physical effort, or exercising in hot climates can cause dehydration, if it is not compensated by drinking sufficient amounts of water.
- Not drinking sufficient amounts of water. Dehydration may occur due to not paying attention to drinking sufficient amounts of water daily, or due to difficulty swallowing as a result of sore throat.
- Burns: Burns can cause fluid to leak into nearby tissues due to damage to blood vessels.
Who is most at risk of dehydration?
There are groups of people who are more susceptible to dehydration than others, and therefore they must be careful, and especially monitor the level of fluids they drink. It may also require assistance from their family members to monitor in case they are unable to do so.
Among the groups most vulnerable to dehydration are:
- Older people Older adults may be less aware of their water needs and may require larger amounts of fluids. Because of some medications they take.
- Children and infants Children and infants often suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, which increases their chances of dehydration. In addition, they may not be able to express their thirst.
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as diabetes increases the rate of urination and some medications used to treat these diseases increase the chances of dehydration.
- People with a sore throat or cold , as they may not feel like eating or drinking due to throat pain.
- Athletes , especially when exercising outdoors, where the weather can be humid and therefore need to drink large amounts of water to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Symptoms of dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration that can be observed in adults:
- Extreme thirst
- Urinating less than usual per day
- Dark colored urine
- Vertigo
- Feeling weak or lethargic
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dry eyes or lack of tears
- Bad mood
As for children and infants, noticeable symptoms may include:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- The diaper is dry for 3 hours or more
- No tears when crying
- Lethargy and changing the child’s mood for the worse
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- The presence of a sunken spot in the middle of the head
If these symptoms appear in children and the elderly, they must immediately be provided with fluids and monitor their quantity regularly throughout the day. If these symptoms continue or increase in severity, the adult or the child’s guardian must contact the doctor or go to the hospital, and this applies equally. Especially in the case of diarrhea that continues for 3 days or more , severe diarrhea, the body’s inability to retain any fluids, the presence of blood in the stool, and a feeling of confusion. These cases must be dealt with with medical care to avoid complications of severe dehydration.
Diagnosis of dehydration
In most cases, doctors can diagnose dehydration by carefully monitoring the patient's physical symptoms. These symptoms include low blood pressure, dizziness when standing up quickly, increased heart rate, and decreased blood flow.
There are also other diagnostic methods including:
- Urinalysis: It is used to estimate the level of dehydration and to detect the presence of infection in the urinary passages.
- Blood test: It is performed to measure the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood, and also to check the health of the kidneys.
Methods of treating dehydration
After diagnosis, treatment begins and the best way to treat dehydration is to replace the body with the fluids it has lost, and this can be achieved by:
- Drink water and fluids, including sports drinks that contain electrolytes.
- Using dehydration solutions can be prepared at home by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with 6 teaspoons of sugar in a liter of water. Dosages must be followed precisely.
- Intravenous solutions , preferably prescribed by a doctor in cases of persistent vomiting and diarrhea, as fluids given intravenously are more effective in being retained within the body in such cases.
It is also recommended to avoid drinks that may increase the problem of dehydration, such as soft drinks, drinks sweetened with large amounts of sugar, and drinks containing caffeine.
Prevention of dehydration
To prevent dehydration in general, it is recommended to follow the following tips:
- Drink fluids periodically: Maintain a sufficient amount of water and fluids throughout the day.
- Increase your water intake before exercising Before exercising, drink additional amounts of water to replace the fluids you will lose during exercise.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for long periods: especially during the afternoon hours when it is hot, as exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of dehydration.
- Include fruits and vegetables in the diet: These foods contain water and nutrients that contribute to maintaining fluid balance in the body.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine as much as possible: caffeine can increase fluid loss in the body.
- Increase fluid intake in case of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea: You should drink more water and fluids to compensate for the excess loss.
- Consult a doctor in the event of severe diarrhea or persistent vomiting: These conditions may indicate severe dehydration that requires urgent medical care.
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