Dehydration: Dehydration is when you lose so much of your body fluids that your body cannot function properly. This often happens when your water intake is less than what you are losing.
Sometimes you want to drink as much water as possible. This usually happens in the summer or after spending too much time in the sun. Feeling thirsty and thirsty is one of the first signs of dehydration. If you sweat a lot because of heat or exercise, or if you’re sick and lose a lot of water because of diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, you also often become dehydrated. If you don’t drink enough water or take a medication that makes you urinate more, you may be at risk for dehydration.
When you are not hydrated enough, your body reacts by feeling thirsty in advance. Drinking fluids, especially water, immediately can help keep your body properly hydrated. Symptoms of mild it can often be treated by drinking a glass of water. However, dehydration is not a manageable condition. It can sometimes be overlooked, especially in older people who don’t drink enough water or in newborns who can’t tell their thirst or recognize the effects of dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
Thirst: This is the first and most common symptom that indicates a lack of water in the body.
Dry mouth and throat: Lack of water causes the mouth to dry up and the saliva production to decrease.
Dark urine color: Lack of water in the body causes the urine to be dark in color and in less quantity.
Dry skin: Lack of water reduces the moisture of the skin, which leads to the skin drying up.
Feeling tired: It causes a lack of energy and the body feels tired.
Headaches and dizziness: Lack of water affects the brain, which can cause headaches and dizziness.
Bad breath: Less saliva production in the mouth leads to the growth of bacteria, which can cause bad breath.
Down blood pressure: Lack of water can cause blood pressure to drop, which can increase the risk of dizziness and fainting.
Types of dehydration:
It is a common problem that has many causes and types. This condition occurs when the body consumes less fluids than it uses. Depending on the severity of dehydration, it is mainly divided into three types: mild, moderate, and severe.
1. Mild dehydration:
Mild dehydration occurs when there is a slight loss of water in the body. At this stage, the symptoms are usually mild and often go unnoticed. Symptoms may include:
- Dry mouth and throat
- Fatigue or weakness
- Low urine output
- Headache
- Dizziness
Mild dehydration can usually be treated by drinking more fluids. Drinking water, electrolyte-rich drinks, and fresh fruit juices can rehydrate the body.
2. Moderate dehydration:
In moderate dehydration, the symptoms of water deficiency are more pronounced and severe. At this stage, the body’s natural balancing ability is affected, and the following symptoms can be observed:
- Very little urine output, dark urine color
- Increased fatigue
- Dryness and loss of elasticity of the skin
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Confusion
Treatment of moderate dehydration requires more intensive hydration, and sometimes may require the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS).
3. Severe dehydration:
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. In this condition, the body’s water supply is so low that it is unable to perform normal functions. Symptoms of severe dehydration include:
- No urine or very little urine
- Fainting or severe confusion
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Severely dry skin, eyes, and mouth
- Shock
Severe dehydration is usually treated in the hospital with intravenous fluids (IV fluids). This not only replaces water loss, but also restores electrolyte balance.
Dehydration Treatment
The method of treatment of dehydration depends on how severe the condition is. The following treatments can overcome water deficiency:
Drinking ordinary water: The simplest and most effective remedy for mild dehydration is to drink adequate amounts of water.
Replenishment of electrolytes: If the condition is a little severe, then ORS (oral rehydration solution) or beverages containing electrolytes such as coconut water or lemonade should be taken.
IV fluids: If the condition is very severe, IV fluids are given in the hospital which immediately replenish water and essential minerals in the body.
Home Remedies for Dehydration
The body’s water deficiency can be overcome through home remedies for dehydration. The following home remedies can prove to be effective:
Lemon water: Lemon water contains electrolytes that help hydrate the body. It also provides energy to the body.
Coconut water: Coconut water contains natural sugars and minerals that instantly hydrate the body and provide it freshness.
Whey (Churn): The minerals and electrolytes present in whey or buttermilk are helpful in hydrating the body and protect it from heat.
Fresh fruits: Eating fruits like watermelon, cucumber, orange helps in overcoming water deficiency. These fruits have high water content.
Homemade ORS: ORS prepared by mixing one teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar in one liter of water can provide relief from it.
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