Facts 101 About the Cause Factors and Signs of Dehydration

May 01, 2021

Dehydration is the condition where the body uses or loses more fluid than what it takes in leading the body to have less water to carry out its normal functions. 75% of the human body is made of water. It is important to consume large amounts of water in order for your body to complete routine daily functions. The average adult needs to consume about three liters of water on a daily basis. When you do not take in sufficient water because of a certain illness or due to other factors, you may begin to experience mild signs of dehydration.

People of all ages can get dehydrated, but children, people with chronic illnesses, and older adults are at a higher risk. Dehydration, if not treated, can lead to life-threatening conditions. Taking a lot of water can help reverse mild to moderate dehydration. When the case is severe, that’s when you’re advised to seek medical attention. Keeping track of how much fluid you’re taking and losing is the first and most safe method you can adopt on how to prevent dehydration.

Causes of Dehydration

Below are some of the common causal factors that lead to body dehydration:

  • Vomiting
  • Vigorous exercise
  • Summer weather
  • Excessive sweating
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Increased urination
  • Fever

Symptoms Indicating Dehydration

The signs and symptoms you’ll experience because of dehydration are dependent on your age and how severe your dehydration is. The symptoms of dehydration in adults include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Sunken eyes
  • Less frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

In children, the symptoms are:

  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • No tears when crying
  • Dry diapers for three hours
  • Sleepiness and irritability

First-aid measures can be applied in case of dehydration to avoid any complications. You can also visit Express Emergency Rooms for urgent care.

What Does the ER Do for Dehydration Treatment?

Dehydration emergency treatment in emergency care centers first involves restoring fluid volume and electrolytes while treating any dangerous symptoms and attempting to know the dehydration’s basic cause. Severe dehydration, however, is a medical emergency, and should it occur, one is supposed to seek urgent care for dehydration immediately.

You’re advised to go to the emergency room in case of:

  • No pee in the past 12 hrs
  • Confusion
  • Sluggishness
  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Chest or abdomen torments
  • Fainting

In the event that the affected person’s temperature is higher than 104 F (40° C), specialists will cool the whole body. They may use advanced cooling by evaporation with fogs and fans or cooling baths.

What is the Fastest Way to Cure Dehydration?

  • Water consumption

Taking water is frequently the best and least expensive approach to remain hydrated and rehydrate. In contrast to most beverages, water contains no added sugars or calories, making it ideal for drinking during the day or when you need to rehydrate, for example, after an exercise. In case you’re a salty sweater, be sure to replace both the sodium and liquid you lose through sweat, ideally through a balanced diet.

  • Milk

Milk has amazing hydrating properties. It normally contains high masses of electrolytes, which helps balance water levels in the body. A conducted research has shown that skim and low-fat milk rehydrates you just as mainstream sports drinks do after serious exercise, as well as giving protein and other significant supplements. Skim and low-fat milk can be utilized as a viable post-exercise or general rehydration beverage in case you don’t have lactose intolerance or a milk protein hypersensitivity.

  • Coconut water

In its common state, it contains 95% water and is rich in potassium, sodium, and chloride. This, therefore, makes it a good hydrating agent.

  • Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea contain water and caffeine. Drinking coffee or tea in moderate amounts can be as hydrating as drinking water as an energizing elective. Taking minimal measures of coffee and tea can have comparable hydrating properties just as water.

The Effects of Dehydration

If left untreated, dehydration can result in the following issues:

  • Low blood volume – can cause a lessening in pulse and decreased oxygen supply to the tissues, which can be dangerous.
  • Seizures – because of electrolyte imbalance.
  • Heat illnesses – for example, heat fatigue or heat stroke.
  • Kidney problems – for example, kidney stones, urinary tract diseases, and in the long run, kidney failure.