Are you always thirsty? Everything about dehydration!

Imagine the intense thirst you feel on a sunny day. Or when you have a bad stomach ache, are vomiting, and feel weak... That's when our body tells us, "I need water!" Today we're going to talk about dehydration , which is when your body doesn't have enough water. This is not as simple as you think, and it can sometimes be dangerous. That's why it's very important to know about it.

What is dehydration? Simply put...

Simply put, dehydration is when our body doesn't have enough water. Water is essential for our body to function properly. We lose some water when we sweat, urinate, and breathe. So, dehydration occurs when we lose more water than we drink.

Imagine, on a very hot day, you sweat and take a shower. Or you have a fever, vomit, and have diarrhea. At times like that, a lot of water is lost from the body. Also, some people are lazy to drink water. There are some medications that cause frequent urination. These can also cause dehydration.

When you feel thirsty, the first signal your body gives you is "I don't have enough water." At that time, you need to drink some water quickly. Usually, mild dehydration is cured by drinking water. But this is not always easy to recognize. Sometimes an elderly mother or father forgets to drink water. A baby with a lot of urine does not understand that he is thirsty. That is why we need to take care of our loved ones. If the dehydration is moderate to severe, you may need to go to the hospital and give saline (IV fluids) . If not treated properly, severe dehydration can be life-threatening, remember.

Why is water so important for our bodies?

Did you know that our bodies are only 78% water? Our brain is 73% water, as is our heart. Our bones are 31% water, our muscles and kidneys are 79% water, and our skin is 64% water. Isn't that amazing? Our lungs are 83% water!

So, what is this water doing inside our bodies?

• Helps digest food and eliminate waste .
• Water helps our joints function properly . It lubricates them.
• Helps produce saliva (you need saliva to eat food).
• It keeps the body's chemicals in balance . Water is essential for making hormones and neurotransmitters for the brain.
• It helps carry oxygen throughout the body.
• It's like a cushion for our bones.
• Controls body temperature .
• It acts as a shock absorber for our brain, spinal cord, and, if you're pregnant, for your baby.

Water is life, especially in hot weather. Water helps keep your body cool. When you exercise, your muscles produce heat. To keep your body from overheating, you need to let that heat out. Sweating is the body's main way of losing heat during hot weather. When sweat evaporates, the tissues underneath cool down. So, when you sweat a lot, your body's water levels decrease, and this loss of water affects normal bodily functions.

What are the symptoms of dehydration? (Dehydration Symptoms)

If you suspect that you or your child is severely dehydrated, you should seek medical advice immediately .

Symptoms in young children:

Check your baby's urine for these things:

• The tongue and lips feel dry.
• Tears don't come out when you cry.
• Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for breastfed babies), or no urination for eight hours (for older babies).
• It seems to have entered the soft spot above the forehead of the baby's head.
• My eyes seem to have sunken in.
• The skin looks dry and wrinkled.
• Breathing is rapid and deep.
• Hands and feet are cold, and may be discolored (blotchy).

Symptoms in adults:

See if you feel these things too:

• Headache, confusion, and despair.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness, feeling lifeless, eyes turning blue.
• Your mouth is dry, and you may have a dry cough.
• The heart rate is high, but the blood pressure is low.
• Food is tasteless, but sometimes I feel like eating something sweet.
• The skin is red (flushed).
• Legs swell.
• Muscle cramps.
• I can't stand the heat, or I feel cold.
• Constipation.
• Urine color is dark . Your urine should be clear, light yellow.

Some questions and answers about dehydration

Does dehydration cause fever?

No, dehydration does not usually cause a fever. However, many illnesses that cause fever can cause dehydration.

What happens to blood pressure due to dehydration?

Dehydration can actually cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low. When that happens, your body tries to correct it. But when it does, it can sometimes overcorrect, causing your blood pressure to suddenly spike.

Can dehydration cause diarrhea?

No, but diarrhea can cause dehydration. When diarrhea is severe, a lot of fluids are lost from the body.

Is nausea caused by dehydration?

Yes, dehydration can cause dizziness and dehydration headaches. One symptom of this headache is nausea and vomiting.

Why do we get Dehydration? (Causes of Dehydration)

Simply put, dehydration occurs when you don't drink enough water, or when you lose water too quickly through things like sweating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Some medications, such as diuretics (also known as water pills), can cause you to urinate more often, which can lead to dehydration.

Who is at higher risk of developing dehydration? (Risk Factors)

Anyone can become dehydrated if they don't drink enough water. However, babies and children are at greater risk because they don't know when they're thirsty. This is especially important when they're sick. So, be sure to monitor how much fluid your child is drinking.

Also, adults over the age of 65 are at higher risk. They have less water in their bodies, and they may not realize when they are thirsty. If you are a caregiver for someone, especially someone with memory problems, give them something to drink frequently. Don't stop giving them fluids, even if they are suffering from a serious infection like a urinary tract infection (UTI) .

Can dehydration be dangerous? (Complications)

If you or your child has symptoms of severe dehydration, seek medical attention immediately . Severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Electrolyte imbalances (these are the little things that act like batteries in our bodies)
• Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke
• Kidney problems, including kidney stones and kidney failure
• Shock , coma , and possibly even death.

Remember, dehydration is no joke. If in doubt, see a doctor immediately.

How to diagnose dehydration? (Diagnosis)

If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. That is the easiest way to know if you need more fluids. If you go to see a doctor because you think you are dehydrated, he or she will diagnose the condition after reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam. Sometimes, dehydration can also be diagnosed through laboratory tests . These may include:

• Blood tests to check your electrolyte levels and kidney function .
• Urine tests to check for things that could be causing dehydration.

Are there different levels of dehydration? (Levels of Dehydration)

Doctors classify dehydration as follows:

• Mild: You just need to drink plenty of fluids by mouth. Drink water. But if you are sweating a lot or have lost fluids due to vomiting/stomach upset,It's a good idea to drink a drink with electrolytes (e.g. Jeevani). You'll feel better in about five to ten minutes.
• Moderate: Moderate dehydration requires intravenous fluids (IV hydration). This can be obtained from an emergency room or hospital.
• Severe: If your dehydration symptoms are severe, see a doctor immediately . Call 911 (1990 in Sri Lanka), or go to the nearest emergency room.

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will determine your level of health before prescribing treatment.

What can you do to quickly recover from dehydration?

Drink water. You can also use oral rehydration sachets (ORS) , which are packets that you dissolve in water and drink (e.g. Jeevani), to help rehydrate your body.

How to help a dehydrated child at home?

Follow the instructions given by your child's doctor exactly.

• Do not give over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to children under 2 years of age for stomach upset without a doctor's advice.
• Give your child sugar-free liquids to drink (sugary sodas, fruit drinks, and jelly can increase stomach upset).
• Continue to breastfeed your baby as usual.
• It may be helpful to give electrolyte solutions as recommended by your doctor.
• Gradually increase the amount of fluids and food given to the child.
• Give paracetamol (Acetaminophen) (e.g. Panadol) for fever. Do not give your child aspirin .
• Let the child rest well.
• Watch closely to see if the symptoms of dehydration increase or return.

What are the treatments for dehydration in hospitals?

Dehydration can usually be treated at home, but in severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital. Hospital treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids (IV fluids) .
• Monitoring for electrolyte imbalance .
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) for fever.
• Rest.

How long can dehydration last?

If you treat the cause of dehydration and drink enough fluids, mild to moderate dehydration should improve in less than a day. Severe dehydration requires hospital treatment. If treated properly, dehydration should improve in two to three days.

Can't dehydration be prevented?

Yes, you can! You can prevent dehydration by being mindful of how much fluid you drink. Drink water throughout the day, including with meals. Avoid soda, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages. One way to tell if you're getting enough water is to check the color of your urine . If it's clear, light yellow, you're fine. If it's darker, drink more water.

Active people - that is, those who play sports or exercise - should drink at least 16-20 ounces (about 470-590 milliliters) of water an hour or two before an outdoor activity. After that, you should drink 6-12 ounces (about 180-350 milliliters) of water every 10-15 minutes while you're outside. Even after the activity is over, you should drink more water. To replace what you lost, drink at least another 16-24 ounces (about 470-710 milliliters).

How much water should we drink per day?

Exactly how much water you need depends on your weight, age, activity level, the climate you live in, and other factors. People with conditions like diabetes , heart disease , and cystic fibrosis need to be especially careful about this. The amount of water you need can also vary depending on the climate and the clothes you wear. While the general recommendation is to drink eight glasses of water a day, it's best to talk to your doctor to find out the right amount for you.

What kinds of drinks add water to the body? What kinds dehydrate the body?

Some drinks are better at preventing dehydration than others. If you're doing low- to moderate-intensity activity, like walking for less than an hour, just water will do. If you're going to be exercising for longer than that, or spending more than a few hours in the sun, you can drink a sports drink . These not only replace fluids, but also electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost through sweat. Both too much and too little sodium and potassium can cause problems. Muscle cramps can also be caused by electrolyte deficiencies.

Doctors do not recommend alcoholic or caffeinated beverages for optimal hydration. These fluids draw water from the body and contribute to dehydration. Fruit juices and fruit drinks are high in carbohydrates, low in sodium, and can also be difficult to stomach.

How can I and my loved ones get used to drinking more water?

• Always keep a water bottle nearby. Keep it filled.
• Choose water instead of sugary drinks during meals.
• Add flavor. A slice of lime or lemon can be added for a refreshing twist. You can also try flavored drink mixes, but be careful with the sugar.
• Eat foods that are high in water. Many soups, fruits, and vegetables fall into this category.
• If you don't like drinking a lot of water at once, try drinking small amounts throughout the day.

What to do if you suspect a baby is dehydrated?

If your baby has any of these things, call your baby's doctor right away:

• If there are any signs of dehydration.
• If vomiting or stomach pain increases.
• If you haven't urinated for eight hours or your diaper is wet.
• More sleepy, less playful (lethargic).

When should you go to the ER (Emergency Room) for dehydration?

If you think your dehydration symptoms are severe, don't hesitate to seek help. Dehydration can lead to life-threatening conditions like kidney stones, kidney failure, and heatstroke. If you have symptoms of severe dehydration or heatstroke, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room:

• Fever is 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius) or higher.
• Muscle twitching.
• The skin is red, hot, and dry.
• Nausea.
• The pulse is falling too fast.
• Seizures are coming.
• I don't sweat.
• Confusion, altered mental status, and/or slurring of speech.
• Dizziness.
• I'm losing consciousness.
• Seeing things that are not visible (Hallucinations).

Important questions to ask the doctor

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Why am I dehydrated?
• How can I prevent dehydration in the future?
• Do I need to change my medications when I am dehydrated?
• I don't like to drink water. Is there anything else I can drink to stay hydrated?
• Should I give my child medicine? If so, for how long and at what time of day?
• When will my child get better?
• Should I bring my child in for another check-up?
• Are there any foods and drinks that my child should or should not eat?
• What symptoms should I report to you/your office?

Finally, I have to say... (Take-Home Message)

So, dehydration is the loss of enough water in our bodies. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and if left untreated, it can be dangerous. Remember – if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink water as soon as you feel thirsty. You will notice the symptoms of dehydration subside within five to ten minutes. Since the amount of water needed per day varies from person to person, it is best to talk to your doctor to find out exactly how much water you need to stay healthy. Water is essential to staying healthy!

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