What is Dehydration, and How Can It Be Prevented?

During the summer months, when temperatures and humidity levels rise, the need for fluids is higher compared to other seasons. The body breathes faster, sweats, and expels excess heat through urine to maintain its temperature against the heat. Approximately 65% of the human body is made up of water. An adult loses an average of 2.5 liters of fluid daily. In addition to fluid loss, minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium that regulate the body’s electrolyte balance are also expelled. Under normal conditions, the body can compensate for lost fluids and electrolytes through food and water intake. Reductions in the total fluid amount in the body manifest as feelings of thirst. If fluid loss increases, serious health problems can occur.

Definition of Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body cannot meet the required amount of fluid needed to perform its functions. Dehydration is roughly defined as excessive fluid loss or inadequate fluid intake and is classified into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe, depending on the amount of fluid lost. Severe dehydration is a significant health problem that poses a serious threat to human life. The degree of dehydration is assessed by looking at both body signs and urine tests, kidney function tests, and blood tests. Children, infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are more sensitive to fluid loss. Particularly, elderly individuals and infants may face much more serious health problems because they cannot accurately express their thirst.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Individuals who consume less fluid than their daily fluid requirement may experience reduced urine flow, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones. As fluid loss continues to increase, problems such as low blood pressure and dizziness may develop. In cases of severe fluid loss, symptoms such as increased pulse rate, kidney failure, muscle cramps, and loss of consciousness can be observed. All these symptoms can lead to disorders in organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, and heart.

Symptoms of Mild Dehydration:

Thirst
Muscle cramps
Headache
Dry and cool skin
Decreased urination and dark yellow urine
Dry and sticky mouth

Symptoms of Severe Dehydration:

Difficulty urinating and very dark yellow or amber urine
Dry and wrinkled skin
Confusion, loss of consciousness, and irritability
Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
Dizziness
Sunken eyes
Lack of interest in surroundings and shock state
Low blood pressure, especially a drop in blood pressure when standing up

Causes of Dehydration

Fluid loss may go unrefilled due to simple reasons such as forgetting to drink water during the day or failing to access healthy drinking water during activities such as walking, traveling, or camping. These fluid losses can be quickly replenished and are causes of mild dehydration. Other causes of fluid loss include:

Sudden onset of severe diarrhea, especially common in infants and children, accompanied by vomiting
High fever due to infection or heat stroke
Excessive sweating due to extreme exercise or high temperatures
Excessive urination due to chronic diseases like diabetes
Diseases that cause the kidneys to lose their ability to retain water
Diuretics, antihypertensive, and antihistamine medications
Alcohol consumption
Endurance sports such as marathons, climbing, or triathlons

Treatment of Dehydration

The goal of dehydration treatment is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. The treatment of the disease is determined based on the degree and cause of dehydration. Generally, increasing water intake is the most appropriate solution for mild to moderate dehydration. In cases of fluid loss due to excessive exercise, fluids containing electrolytes may be preferred. In cases of severe dehydration, the patient should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility, and treatment should be administered by a doctor.

Note: For the diagnosis and treatment of dehydration, one can consult a family physician or an internist. For dehydration problems in children, it is advisable to consult doctors specializing in child health. Fluids and electrolytes lost by the patient are administered intravenously, and it is crucial to bring the patient to the hospital in life-threatening cases.

Last Updated Date: 17 July 2018

Publication Date: 17 July 2018