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ABSTRACT –

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