How can you recover from dehydration at home. What are the most effective home remedies for treating dehydration. Which fluids and electrolytes should you consume to rehydrate quickly. When should you seek medical attention for severe dehydration.

Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting normal bodily functions. This condition can result from various factors, including excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, and certain medications that increase urination. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial for prompt treatment.

Common Causes of Dehydration

• Intense physical activity without adequate fluid intake
• Exposure to hot weather
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain medications (e.g., diuretics)
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? They may indicate dehydration:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Confusion (in severe cases)

The Importance of Oral Rehydration Therapy

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a simple yet effective method for treating dehydration. This approach involves replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes through the consumption of specially formulated solutions or homemade alternatives.

Why is ORT so crucial? It helps restore the body’s fluid balance quickly and efficiently, preventing the progression of mild to moderate dehydration into a more severe condition. For many cases of dehydration, ORT can be safely administered at home, avoiding the need for medical intervention.

Benefits of Oral Rehydration Therapy

• Rapid restoration of fluid balance
• Replenishment of essential electrolytes
• Easy to administer at home
• Cost-effective compared to intravenous treatments
• Suitable for all age groups

7 Effective Home Remedies for Dehydration

Addressing dehydration promptly is essential for quick recovery. Here are seven proven home remedies to help you combat dehydration effectively:

1. Increase Water Intake

The most straightforward approach to treating dehydration is to increase your water consumption. Sipping water regularly throughout the day helps maintain proper hydration levels and supports various bodily functions.

How much water should you drink? While individual needs vary, aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, increasing this amount during hot weather or physical activity.

2. Consume Electrolyte-Rich Beverages

Electrolyte-rich drinks help replenish essential minerals lost through dehydration. These beverages are particularly effective after intense exercise or during illness.

Which electrolyte drinks are most beneficial? Consider options such as:

• Coconut water
• Sports drinks (in moderation)
• Homemade electrolyte solutions

3. Prepare Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

Creating a homemade ORS is an economical and effective way to combat dehydration. This solution helps replenish both fluids and essential electrolytes.

How do you make a homemade ORS? Follow this simple recipe:

1. Mix 1 liter of clean water
2. Add 6 teaspoons of sugar
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. Stir until fully dissolved

Consume this solution in small sips throughout the day to promote gradual rehydration.

4. Enjoy Hydrating Foods

Certain foods can contribute significantly to your hydration efforts. Consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables not only provides fluids but also essential nutrients and fiber.

Which foods are best for hydration? Include these options in your diet:

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Lettuce
• Zucchini

5. Sip on Herbal Teas

Herbal teas offer a flavorful way to increase fluid intake while providing additional health benefits. Many herbal teas have natural diuretic properties, helping to flush out toxins from the body.

Which herbal teas are most hydrating? Try these options:

• Peppermint tea
• Chamomile tea
• Ginger tea
• Hibiscus tea

6. Use Cold Compresses

Applying cold compresses can help lower body temperature and reduce fluid loss through sweating, especially in cases of heat-induced dehydration.

How should you use cold compresses? Follow these steps:

1. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water
2. Apply the compress to your forehead, neck, and wrists
3. Replace the compress every 10-15 minutes as needed

7. Practice Proper Hydration Habits

Preventing dehydration is just as important as treating it. Developing good hydration habits can help maintain optimal fluid balance in your body.

How can you improve your hydration habits? Try these tips:

• Carry a reusable water bottle with you
• Set reminders to drink water throughout the day
• Consume water-rich foods regularly
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
• Monitor your urine color (pale yellow indicates good hydration)

Treating Dehydration in Children and Infants

Children and infants are particularly susceptible to dehydration, and their treatment requires special attention. Recognizing the signs of dehydration in young ones is crucial for timely intervention.

Signs of Dehydration in Children

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• Sunken eyes or cheeks
• Decreased urine output or dry diapers
• Lethargy or irritability

Rehydration Strategies for Children

How can you effectively rehydrate a child? Follow these guidelines:

1. Offer small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution
2. Use age-appropriate electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte)
3. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding for infants
4. Avoid sugary drinks or undiluted fruit juices
5. Monitor for signs of improvement or worsening

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild to moderate dehydration can often be treated at home, severe cases require immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs of severe dehydration is crucial for preventing life-threatening complications.

Signs of Severe Dehydration

Seek medical help if you or someone you’re caring for experiences:

• Extreme thirst
• Very dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes
• Little or no urine output for 8 hours or more
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Medical Treatments for Severe Dehydration

In severe cases, medical professionals may administer the following treatments:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes
• Monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels
• Treatment of underlying conditions causing dehydration

Preventing Dehydration: Proactive Measures

Taking proactive steps to prevent dehydration is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming dehydrated.

Hydration Tips for Daily Life

How can you stay properly hydrated throughout the day? Consider these practical tips:

• Start your day with a glass of water
• Set reminders on your phone to drink water regularly
• Flavor your water with fresh fruits or herbs to make it more appealing
• Eat water-rich foods as part of your regular diet
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Drink water before, during, and after exercise

Hydration Strategies for Special Circumstances

Certain situations may require additional hydration efforts. How should you approach hydration in these cases?

1. Hot weather:
   • Increase fluid intake
   • Seek shade or air-conditioned environments
   • Wear light, breathable clothing
2. Intense physical activity:
   • Drink water before, during, and after exercise
   • Consider electrolyte-rich beverages for prolonged activity
   • Monitor your body’s response to exertion
3. Illness (e.g., fever, diarrhea):
   • Increase fluid intake to compensate for losses
   • Use oral rehydration solutions as needed
   • Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist

The Role of Nutrition in Hydration

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration levels. Certain foods and dietary habits can significantly impact your body’s fluid balance and overall hydration status.

Hydrating Foods to Include in Your Diet

Which foods can help boost your hydration levels? Include these water-rich options in your meals:

• Watermelon (92% water content)
• Cucumber (95% water content)
• Strawberries (91% water content)
• Lettuce (96% water content)
• Zucchini (94% water content)
• Tomatoes (94% water content)
• Celery (95% water content)

Balanced Electrolyte Intake

Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes is essential for optimal hydration. How can you ensure adequate electrolyte intake through your diet?

• Consume potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach
• Include sodium sources such as table salt, pickles, and olives (in moderation)
• Incorporate magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Eat calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk

Hydration for Special Populations

Certain groups of people may have unique hydration needs or face increased risks of dehydration. Understanding these special considerations is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance in diverse populations.

Hydration for Older Adults

Older adults are particularly susceptible to dehydration due to various factors. How can seniors maintain proper hydration?

• Set regular reminders to drink water throughout the day
• Keep water easily accessible
• Consume water-rich foods
• Monitor medications that may increase fluid loss
• Recognize early signs of dehydration

Hydration During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased fluid needs. What strategies can help meet these requirements?

• Increase daily water intake by 1-2 cups
• Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status
• Consume water-rich fruits and vegetables
• Limit caffeine intake
• Stay hydrated during physical activity

Hydration for Athletes and Active Individuals

Those engaging in regular physical activity have unique hydration needs. How can athletes optimize their hydration strategies?

• Hydrate before, during, and after exercise
• Use sports drinks for prolonged, intense activities
• Monitor sweat rate and replace lost fluids accordingly
• Adjust fluid intake based on climate and exercise intensity
• Consider electrolyte supplements for endurance activities

By understanding and addressing the specific hydration needs of these populations, we can help ensure optimal fluid balance and overall health for everyone.

Dehydration Treatment – Oral Rehydration Therapy and Fluid Replacement

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Is Drinking Water Enough?
• What to Do for a Dehydrated Child

You can become dehydrated for many different reasons. It could be from sweating too much. Vomiting or diarrhea can quickly remove fluids from your body, too. So can medicines that make you pee a lot.

All of these things can cause you to lose more water and electrolytes (essential minerals in your blood and body fluids) than are good for you. If you don’t have enough, your body has trouble doing the things it’s supposed to do.

There’s really only one way to treat dehydration — replace the fluids and electrolytes your body has lost.

For a mild case, it should be enough just to drink plenty of fluids. Water is your first choice, but there are lots of special drinks on the market that will help you replace your body’s lost water and electrolytes.

If you can’t get a pre-mixed rehydration solution, don’t try to make one yourself. Instead, replace lost fluids naturally with sips of water, fruit juice, crushed fruit mixed with water, or salty soups or broths.

Fruit juices may upset your stomach, so it’s best to dilute them with water. Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic drinks. They’re diuretics, which means they can dehydrate you more because they all pull water from your body.

If your dehydration is serious, you may need to see a doctor to get treated with intravenous (IV) fluids. Severe dehydration may require you to go to the hospital. You should get medical attention immediately if you:

• Haven’t peed in 8 hours
• Have had a seizure
• Are disoriented or confused
• Have a weak or rapid pulse
• Feel very tired
• Feel dizzy when you stand
• Are too sick (nauseated or vomiting) to take in fluids

If your baby or child becomes dehydrated (usually because of a fever, vomiting or diarrhea), treatment with an oral rehydration solution is your best bet. There are several over-the-counter options (Hydralyte and Pedialyte), which will give your child the right balance of electrolytes and salts.

Try giving small sips or by the teaspoon to begin with. You may even need to use a syringe if they’re having trouble drinking. For an older child, sports drinks diluted with water are the best treatment. Again, start with small sips and give them more as they show they can tolerate it.

For an infant, give plenty of breast milk and formula, but don’t give fruit juices if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. They can make it worse.

Dehydration can be serious in a baby or young child. If you notice these signs, see a doctor right away:

• Extreme sleepiness
• Less responsive than usual
• Few wet diapers
• Cold and blotchy hands and feet
• No tears when crying
• Dark yellow pee
• Very dry mouth

Usually, dehydration is easy to treat at home if you get out of the heat and drink plenty of liquids. But once you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated, so it’s best to drink plenty of fluids regularly.

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7 Dehydration Home Remedies and How to Recover from It

In this article:

Nearly 60% of the human body is made up of water. Optimal water levels in the body help in the lubrication of joints and eyes, removal of waste and toxins, proper digestion, and maintenance of healthy skin.

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Extreme loss of water from the body is known as dehydration and is mostly accompanied by salt (sodium chloride) depletion as well.

Dehydration can happen due to various factors such as fever, diarrhea, alcohol intake, and caffeine consumption. Dehydration can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, babies, and young children.

Home Remedies for Dehydration

Here’s what you can do at home to re-hydrate your parched body:

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1. Increase water intake

Increasing water consumption is the primary treatment for dehydration. Taking small sips of water or other clear fluids at regular intervals can help in maintaining water levels and rehydrating the body.

One study assessed the performance of athletes after fluid intake post dehydration. Results showed that the intake of fluids after dehydration could boost prolonged exercise performance under heat-stress situations.

Fluid intake helped the athletes, although the given amount of fluid was insufficient for complete rehydration and the water level of the body remained low. (1)

Do the following to manage dehydration:

• Consume electrolyte-rich or carbohydrate-rich beverages.
• Consume sports drinks.
• Drink flavored water, such as cucumber water.
• Drink lemon water to rehydrate, refresh, and energize your body.

2. Replenish with homemade ORS

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) contains a predefined mixture of dry salts that can be dissolved in sterile water and consumed. It quickly replenishes lost water and minerals.

A study supported the use of ORS for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea in community, home, or facility environments. (2)

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To prepare ORS at home, mix the following ingredients until dissolved:

• 6 teaspoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 liter boiled and cooled water or bottled water

ORS, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), is also available over the counter. (3) You may consume 50–100 ml/kg of ORS in a span of 2 to 4 hours or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

3. Feed on water-rich fruits and vegetables

Proper hydration of the body is vital as the water supports all 11 organ systems of the body. The body’s water levels can be maintained by drinking water and by eating water-rich vegetables and fruits.

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise the consumption of 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily. Another study stated that the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables might also help in improving water levels in children. (4)

Vegetables and fruits with particularly high water content also contain minerals, sugars, and hydrating salts. Thus, these foods act similarly to the isotonic drinks taken by athletes. By increasing your consumption of water-rich foods, you can get relief from mild dehydration.

How to use:

• Consume water-rich foods as snacks. Some of the best succulent fruits for this purpose are oranges, watermelon, grapes, blueberries, apples, and tomatoes. Similarly, water-rich vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, and Brussels sprouts can also help rehydrate your body.
• Add these fruits and vegetables to salads and use them to make smoothies.

4. Drink coconut water

Hot weather can make you sweat profusely and can increase your chances of heat exhaustion. While drinking water can help in this situation, coconut water may be more effective and quicker as it is readily absorbed by the body.

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Consumption of coconut water can help relieve dehydration. It has ample amounts of electrolytes, a low-calorie count, and low sugar content. It is also known to be extremely hydrating.

One study found a similarity of benefits between coconut water and sports drinks. (5)

How to use:

Consume a few glasses of coconut water daily.

ALSO READ: What Makes Coconut Water Good for Your Health?

5. Consume buttermilk

Buttermilk can help in relieving mild dehydration by supplying the essential minerals lost due to profuse sweating. A study showed that regular consumption of buttermilk by well-nourished individuals could help in alleviating heat strain. (6)

How to use:

• Drink 2–3 glasses of buttermilk daily for nourishment and rehydration.
• Mix ½ teaspoon of dry ginger in 1 cup of buttermilk, and drink this mixture a few times daily.

6. Suck on ice chips

Drinking copious amounts of liquids at once can make you feel heavy, bloated, and sicker than before, so it’s better to spread out your fluid intake. Take small sips of water, but if you feel unable to keep down the fluid, switch to ice chips instead.

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Sucking on ice chips will slowly supply you with minuscule amounts of water rather than flood your system. As the ice melts in your mouth, it keeps it from getting dry.

This technique is especially helpful for little children who can only stomach small quantities of water in their tiny bellies and don’t feel like drinking any more fluids after a point.

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7. Consume clear soup

You can also rehydrate and re-energize your body by drinking a steaming bowl of clear, nutritious broth. This can help diversify your fluid intake so that you don’t get fed up with just water.

But for the soup to have the desired effect, make sure it contains the right amount of salt and sugar to rectify your electrolyte imbalance. This dietary intervention carries a lot of anecdotal merits, but little to no scientific support. However, it is unlikely to go wrong, so there’s no harm in trying.

How to use:

Treat yourself to a warm bowl of vegetable soup every now and then.

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Note: Chicken broth may not be a good choice since it does not have the right sugar-salt content and can even worsen your diarrhea, leading to further fluid loss.

Caution: The above-stated remedies are safe for adults and older kids, but not for infants and toddlers.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Measures

A few measures and lifestyle changes can help in the prevention of dehydration:

• Drink optimum amounts of water daily (8–10 glasses of 8 ounces).
• Keep yourself hydrated, especially when sick.
• Increase your fluid consumption during hot and humid weather to replenish the water lost by sweating.
• Rest in cool places, and avoid exercising if you feel dehydrated.
• If you are suffering from an ailment such as gastroenteritis, avoid consuming coffee, soda, or any beverage with high sugar content when dehydrated. Caffeine may stimulate diarrhea, and soda may cause GI irritation. However, there is not much evidence to suggest that coffee or soda must not be taken if mildly dehydrated unless there is an underlying condition. (7)
• Eat bland foods during dehydrated conditions.
• Drink sports drinks if you feel dehydrated after strenuous physical activity.

Treating Dehydration in Young Children

Dehydration in younger children has to be handled more carefully and with a more conservative treatment approach. While sports drinks can be given to older kids to combat dehydration, they are not suitable for toddlers and infants who should only be administered simple ORS.

However, some kids with severe dehydration, explosive diarrhea, or frequent vomiting may not respond well to oral rehydration therapy as well and will require intravenous fluid administration after getting hospitalized.

All in all, children should not be given any fluid that does not have the right sugar-salt content as it can aggravate their diarrhea. This includes plain water, teas, soda, ginger ale, fruit juice, gelatin desserts, and chicken soup.

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Most-Asked Questions About Dehydration

Can dehydration cause headaches?

Headaches are a common effect of mild and moderate dehydration.

Dehydration headaches result from the momentary contraction of blood vessels in the brain due to fluid loss. They may range from mild to severe headaches, such as migraines.

Can dehydration lead to heatstroke?

Sweating is a mechanism of the body to control its internal temperature. A dehydrated individual cannot sweat, leading to an increase in body temperature. A very high body temperature, above 104°F, can cause heatstroke.

Does dehydration cause constipation?

Constipation is a common problem among all age groups. It is characterized by a change in the weight, volume, consistency, frequency, and ease of passage of stool.

A study showed that loss of fluid and restricted fluid intake, leading to dehydration, increased the risk of constipation. (8)

Can dehydration cause hallucinations?

Severe dehydration can lead to confusion, delusions, and, if untreated, coma. Severe dehydration can also lead to heatstroke, which further causes hallucinations. This is a rare complication associated with dehydration.

Can crying cause dehydration?

Crying in itself cannot cause dehydration but can contribute to low water levels if you have reduced fluid intake.

Can improper sleep cause dehydration?

Body water level and sleep are interconnected. During sleep, around 1 liter of water is lost through humidity in breathing, making you feel dehydrated upon waking up. Moreover, improper sleep can prevent the release of vasopressin, an important hormone involved in hydration.

Sleep disturbances can also make the kidney prone to disease, according to some studies. Kidney disorders promote dehydration. Thus, to maintain kidney health, the consumption of water is essential.

Is dehydration common in Alzheimer’s disease?

An aspect of Alzheimer’s disease causes significant and severe memory loss. Patients with this disease may forget to eat or drink fluids and thereby become seriously malnourished and dehydrated over time.

Also, patients with Alzheimer’s disease are on several prescription medications that include cholinesterase inhibitors and antipsychotic drugs, which can cause fluid loss. Additionally, the use of diuretics, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants can promote dehydration.

How is blood pressure related to dehydration?

Dehydration triggers the brain to pass signals to the pituitary gland for the secretion of vasopressin.

Vasopressin causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in increased blood pressure. This condition can result in transient hypertension. If dehydration persists and becomes severe, the blood pressure will fall, and this is a medical emergency.

Is dehydration common in patients with diabetes?

High levels of glucose in the blood cause a decrease in hydration levels of the body. Therefore, patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to dehydration.

Another disorder known as diabetes insipidus increases the frequency of urination and causes dehydration. Diabetes insipidus is due to an inability to concentrate the urine.

Is dehydration fatal?

If fluid and subsequent mineral loss is not promptly replaced, the body gets dehydrated. Prolonged severe dehydration can be fatal and can lead to death.

Final Word

Mild cases of dehydration can be prevented and treated by increasing the consumption of fluids. Moderate dehydration requires medical care and is commonly treated by administering fluids intravenously. However, severe dehydration can be fatal and should be treated urgently.

Continue ReadingDehydration: Reasons, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Dehydration and its symptoms

Moscow

Health

Adviсe

Dehydration percentage:

• 1% – intense thirst, headache, general malaise;
• 5% – dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath;
• 10% – convulsions, cell death;
• 20% – death.

1

During illness, especially in case of poisoning and SARS, drink much more than usual, and not only hot tea, popular in such situations, but also just clean water;

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2

When exercising and in hot weather, also increase the intake of water that is lost through sweat;

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3

Don’t tolerate being thirsty – always have a small bottle of water with you. And even better – a stylish and compact AQUAPHOR City filter bottle.

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symptoms, causes, complications, treatments

1. How dehydration occurs
2. Causes of dehydration
3. Additional factors
4. What happens when you get dehydrated
5. Dehydration types
6. Symptoms
7. Diagnostics
8. Treatment for dehydration
9. Prophylaxis
10. Making a rehydrating solution at home

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Dehydration is a state of increased loss of moisture from the body. Otherwise, this condition is called dehydration or exsicosis. It is characterized by thirst, dry skin, decreased urine output. As the moisture deficit increases, the patient’s blood pressure decreases, the skin becomes pale, there are disturbances in consciousness, pathological changes in the blood composition – an increase in hematocrit. This is the name for an increase in the volume of red blood cells relative to the volume of the liquid part of the blood.

Dehydration is a dangerous condition in which the body needs an urgent restoration of water and electrolyte balance.

How dehydration occurs

Dehydration occurs when the liquid drops to 40–50 ml/kg. In this case, body weight decreases by 4-5% due to the loss of water. In the body, it is found in the blood, cells of organs and tissues, and intercellular space. If water loss as a result of exsicosis reaches 20-25%, tissue ischemia begins – a violation of the blood supply to organs and tissues due to an increase in hematocrit.

Causes of dehydration

Exicosis most often occurs against the background of various diseases and pathological conditions. Among them:

• intestinal infections that cause vomiting and upset stools;

• burns of the second or more degree, in which there is an extensive release of exudate;

• diseases that are accompanied by fever and increased sweating;

• insufficient fluid intake with food;

• diseases accompanied by shortness of breath, in which the body loses moisture due to the release of water vapor.

The most common cause of dehydration is intestinal infections. Up to 48% of all clinical cases of exsicosis are associated with such diseases. They pose the greatest danger to young children. Frequent vomiting and loose stools lead to rapid loss of moisture, which causes dehydration. In countries with a low standard of living and a high incidence of intestinal infections, excoses are one of the main causes of death in young children under the age of 5–6 years.

With extensive burns, a large amount of exudate is released. If the patient does not receive fluid replacement therapy, a fluid deficiency develops.

Increased sweating at elevated body temperature requires control of the drinking regimen. This is especially important if the patient is in a warm room.

Insufficient fluid intake with meals can lead to dehydration if a person voluntarily or deliberately restricts drinking. About one and a half liters of water the body loses per day with sweat, defecation and urination. If the fluid intake is below normal, exsicosis develops.

Dehydration associated with shortness of breath occurs in patients with respiratory and cardiac pathologies. This phenomenon in healthy people is observed when traveling to high mountainous areas due to changes in the composition of the air.

Additional factors

Even healthy people who live in hot regions, do intensive sports or physical labor in hot weather, and stay in the mountains face a moisture deficiency in the body. To avoid dehydration, it is necessary to consume enough water, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Patients taking diuretics and people on mechanical ventilation are also at risk. To prevent exsicosis, patients on mechanical ventilation are injected with saline solutions and moisten the respiratory mixture that enters the body.

What happens when you get dehydrated

When the body loses a lot of moisture, blood viscosity changes first of all. It increases against the background of a decrease in plasma volume. This negatively affects the blood supply to organs and tissues, including the brain. Dehydration leads to an electrolyte imbalance, a decrease in the amount of mineral salts. A decrease in the concentration of potassium, calcium and sodium ions leads to disruption in the work of the heart.

A patient with severe dehydration has acidosis, which is characterized by an acid-base imbalance. The pH formula shifts to the acid side. This leads to repeated vomiting, after which the person develops metabolic alkalosis. It is manifested by various disorders in the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Dehydration types

The classification of exicoses includes their division into several groups depending on the severity of the course, the cause of the development of the pathology, the presence or absence of complications.

The severity of dehydration is mild, moderate and severe. It can be caused by external and internal causes, pass with complications and without them.

When choosing therapy, experts pay attention to the ratio of the loss of mineral salts and water. On this basis, three forms of dehydration are distinguished:

• hypoosmolar. It is characterized by a rapid loss of salts with a slow development of water deficiency. This leads to the rapid onset of negative symptoms from the central nervous system. The patient’s blood circulation is disturbed, signs of a neurological disorder appear;

• hyperosmolar. Fluid loss occurs faster than electrolyte loss. Due to this, their concentration increases. With this kind of dehydration, pronounced symptoms appear only with a significant deficit of moisture;

• isosmolar. The loss of water and salts is about the same. The patient has a decrease in the amount of urine excreted, may decrease blood pressure (BP) and central venous pressure.

Symptoms

Each degree of dehydration is characterized by special signs:

• mild degree. The patient is thirsty, the pulse remains normal, may become more frequent. Skin and mucous membranes are unchanged. On the part of the nervous system, there may be signs of anxiety and anxiety;

• average degree. Externally, the pathology is manifested by dry skin and mucous membranes, a decrease in diuresis. The eyes become sunken, the patient’s pulse quickens, the pressure is increased or decreased by about 20% of the usual values. From the side of the central nervous system, both anxiety and lethargy can be observed;

• severe degree. Pronounced fluid deficiency causes neurological disorders. The patient is very lethargic and practically does not react to anything. Breathing becomes difficult, blood pressure is greatly reduced, tachycardia is characteristic. The skin looks pale and has a bluish tint, it is cold to the touch.

Moderate to severe dehydration increases the risk of complications. First of all, they are associated with the formation of blood clots due to the high viscosity of the blood. When a thrombus clogs the vessels of vital organs, the patient may die or receive irreversible negative changes. Some people who survive severe dehydration develop chronic headaches, weakness, and reduced muscle mobility. Children have cognitive impairment.

Diagnostics

At the first signs of dehydration, it is necessary to contact a medical institution to a general practitioner, a general practitioner, a pediatrician. If dehydration is severe, an ambulance must be called to hospitalize the patient in a medical facility.

For the diagnosis of exicosis, the following are used:

• visual examination and questioning of the patient for the presence of vomiting, diarrhea;

• measurement of arterial and central venous pressure;

• blood test for electrolytes and hematocrit.

A decrease in central venous pressure and an increase in hematocrit above the age norm indicate fluid deficiency.

Treatment for dehydration

With mild dehydration, the patient is treated at home. With moderate and severe fluid deficiency, which are accompanied by changes in the central nervous system, circulatory disorders, hospitalization and intensive treatment are necessary.

The main ways to eliminate exsicosis are:

• the use of rehydrating solutions or large amounts of liquid with the addition of salt to restore water and electrolyte balance;

• intravenous infusion of glucose and saline solutions. It is used in conditions that are accompanied by severe vomiting. Fluid therapy will make up for the lack of fluid if the patient cannot drink it by mouth due to frequent vomiting.

Severe dehydration may require intensive care with a ventilator. With signs of tissue ischemia, neuroprotectors, potassium preparations, drugs to maintain the work of the heart are prescribed.

Treatment is continued until normalization of blood circulation and diuresis. To achieve stable results, it is important to identify the exact cause of the pathological condition and eliminate it.

As a rule, with a slight dehydration, it is possible to completely normalize the patient’s condition within 1-2 days. In moderate and severe dehydration, the prognosis depends on the severity. In some cases, the risk of developing serious violations of body functions, up to irreversible processes, increases.

Prophylaxis

To avoid dehydration, you need to know what factors provoke it, and take appropriate safety measures. This is, first of all, adequate intake of water and fluids. Its volume is from 1.5 liters per day and increases with intense physical exertion, in hot weather.

If the patient has diarrhea or vomiting, rehydration solutions should be used to prevent dehydration. You can buy them at a pharmacy or make your own at home. Pharmacy rehydrating solutions contain potassium chloride, sodium chloride and other mineral salts.

The funds are available in the form of a powder that dissolves in water and is taken orally to prevent water and electrolyte disorders. Powders contain flavoring additives, due to which the use of the drug does not cause discomfort in adults and children.

In addition to powders, rehydrating agents are available as infusion solutions.

Making a rehydrating solution at home

If it is not possible to buy a pharmacy product, it can be seen as a home analogue. To prepare the drink, you need a tablespoon of salt, a teaspoon of soda and two tablespoons of sugar.