ABSTRACT – Dehydration happens when the body does not have much fluid or water content in it and eventually...
Dehydration
Dehydration happens when the body does not have much fluid or water content in it and eventually it becomes difficult to carry out normal functions. The lost fluids should be replaced otherwise it gets dehydrated. It specifically affects young children and adults. An individual can have mild, moderate and severe dehydration depending upon the intake of fluids in the body, but severe dehydration needs medical treatment.
CAUSES –
Diarrhea and vomiting
High fever
Excess sweating due to hot humid climate
Frequent urination
Damage in the blood vessels
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Dry mouth
Hollow and sunken eyes, cheeks and dry skin
Weakness in muscles and dizziness
Extreme thirst
Fever
Anhidrosis i.e. inability to sweat properly
Less frequent urination
Dark-colored yellowish urine
Fatigue
Confusion and delirium
COMPLICATIONS –
Heat injury such as mild heat cramps and heatstroke
Urinary tract infections
Kidney problems like kidney stones and failure
Seizures
Hypovolemic shock can be caused by low blood pressure and decrease in inhaling of oxygen.
DIAGNOSIS –
Blood test is done to check the functions of kidney and electrolyte level of the body
Urine test analyzes the level of compounds called ketones present in the body. In dehydration, urine usually appears in darker color and more concentrated.
TREATMENT –
Replenishing the fluid and electrolyte level in the body
Certain medications and electrolytes to control fever, diarrhea and vomiting
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
It can affect people of any age group but generally occurs in children and older adults