Have you ever felt tired and lethargic after working outside or playing with a child? Or have you ever felt dehydrated after an illness like vomiting or diarrhea? These are very common things that we experience in our lives. This is what happens when the amount of water in our body decreases. In medical terms, we call this condition dehydration . So today, let's talk about this.
Why do we retain water in our bodies? (Dehydration)
Simply put, this condition occurs when your body loses more water than it takes in. There can be several reasons for this.
- Sweating profusely: On a hot day, when exercising, or working outdoors, our bodies sweat. This sweat not only removes water but also essential salts from our bodies.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: This is the main cause of dehydration. When you have vomiting and diarrhea, the body loses fluids and salts very quickly.
- Certain medications: Some medications (also called diuretics by doctors) given for conditions like high blood pressure can cause frequent urination. This can also cause the body to lose water.
- Not drinking enough water: With our busy lives, sometimes we forget to drink the required amount of water per day.
When water and electrolytes , essential minerals like sodium and potassium found in our blood and body fluids, are lost from the body, our body's normal processes become disrupted. Just like a car cannot run without oil and water.
Is it enough to just drink water? What can you do at home?
If the dehydration is not too severe, meaning you just feel lethargic and a little thirsty, you can treat it at home. The only treatment for this is to replace the water and electrolytes that the body has lost.
Remember, even when you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated to some extent. So it's best to drink water regularly.
What is good to drink?
- Water: This is the first and best choice.
- Oral Rehydration Solution: It is very good to dissolve a packet of Jeevani, available at pharmacies, in water and drink it. This provides the body with the right amount of water and salts.
- Natural drinks: Fruit juice (it's best to dilute it with a little water, as too much sugar can cause stomach upset), mashed fruit with water, and salty soups or gravies are also good.
What is not good to drink?
Coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol are not recommended at this time. These will cause the body to lose more water, which can make dehydration worse.
When should you see a doctor?
Dehydration can be dangerous if it becomes severe. In such cases, it is best to seek medical advice immediately rather than trying to treat it at home. You may need to be admitted to the hospital and given intravenous fluids (`(IV) fluids`).
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
| Warning feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Not urinating for 8 hours | A sign that the kidneys may be affected. |
| Seizure | A sign that brain function is affected. |
| Confusion or disorientation | It feels like you can't imagine what's going to happen. |
| Weak or rapid pulse | A sign that the heart and blood circulation are affected. |
| Excessive fatigue and drowsiness | It shows that the body's energy level is very low. |
| Dizziness when standing | It could be a sign of low blood pressure. |
| Unable to drink anything due to vomiting | Medical treatment is essential as oral fluids cannot be given. |
What if this happens to your little child?
Young children and babies are more likely to become dehydrated, especially when they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. As parents, we need to be very careful about this because it can be very dangerous for a child to become dehydrated.
How do you treat a small child?
- Oral Rehydration Solution: The best thing to give children is a solution like Jeevani. This provides the child with the right amount of water and salts.
- Give little by little: Don't try to give a lot at once. Give little by little with a teaspoon or a medicine syringe.
- For older children: Sports drinks diluted with water can be given. But start small and increase the amount as the child can tolerate.
- For babies: If your baby is breastfed, continue to breastfeed. If you are formula-fed, continue to give that as well. Never give fruit juice to a baby who is vomiting or has diarrhea for any reason. It can make the condition worse.
Signs that a child should see a doctor immediately
If your child has any of the following symptoms, it could be a serious condition. See a doctor immediately.
| Warning signs in children |
|---|
| Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up. |
| Not responding normally. |
| Very few wet diapers (not even one every 6-8 hours). |
| Cold and clammy hands and feet. |
| No tears when crying. |
| Dark yellow urine. |
| Very dry mouth and lips. |
Take-Home Message
- Dehydration is the excessive loss of water and essential salts (electrolytes) from the body.
- In cases of mild dehydration, drinking water, solutions such as Jeevani, diluted fruit juice, or salty soups can provide relief.
- Avoid drinking coffee, tea, sugary drinks, and alcohol when you are dehydrated.
- If you have severe symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, confusion, or not urinating for 8 hours, see a doctor immediately.
- Be especially aware of signs of dehydration in young children (crying without tears, no wet diapers).
- The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink water regularly throughout the day, without waiting until you feel thirsty.
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