DEHYDRATION

 Basic information

description

Dehydration is excessive loss of water from the body. The majority of the human body is made up of water. A person routinely loses water with breathing, sweating, urinating, and bowel movements. The water is normally replaced by the intake of fluids. Dehydration is most dangerous in newborns, infants, and persons over 60. The dehydration may be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the percentage of body weight lost.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Dry mouth and swollen tongue. Severe thirst.
• Decreased or no urination; urine color may be deep yellow. In infants, there may be no wet diapers.
• Sunken eyes and wrinkled skin.
• Inability to sweat.
• Infants may have no tears when crying.
• Fatigue.
• Headache.
• Low blood pressure.
• Increase in heart rate and breathing.
• Dizziness, confusion, coma.

causes

Dehydration develops when the body is not able to function properly due to excess fluid loss, not enough fluid intake, or a combination of the two.

risk increases with

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea from any cause.
• Heavy sweating.
• Too much urine output.
• Not taking in a sufficient amount of food or water.
• Newborns, infants, and adults over 60.
• Illness with high fever.
• Not eating or drinking due to illness or mouth sores.
• Use of drugs, such as diuretics ("water pills").
• Excess exposure to sun or heat.
• Diabetes or kidney disease.
• Injuries to the skin, such as burns, can cause fluid loss through the damaged skin.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, take small sips of a fluid replacement product. This is important during an illness with a fever. Children need to be observed for any symptoms of dehydration.
• If you use diuretics, weigh yourself daily.
• Carry water with you to outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water while exercising. Avoid exercising outdoors in very hot weather.
• Avoid drinking alcohol in hot weather.

expected outcomes

Curable with control of the underlying cause and replacement of necessary fluids.

possible complications

• Depends on any medical problems. Usually with mild to moderate symptoms, no complications are expected.
• Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance may lead to seizures, kidney failure, heart problems, shock, brain damage, or death .

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Blood tests may be done to check electrolyte levels (these include sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate). Electrolytes are vital for the body to function normally. Other tests may be needed to find the specific cause of the dehydration.
• Treatment will be aimed at restoring body fluids and treating any illness that is diagnosed.
• If the dehydration is severe, a hospital stay may be needed for fluid replacement.

medications

Usually not needed for dehydration.

activity

Rest in bed until symptoms get better.

diet

• For infants and children, replace lost fluids and electrolytes with products such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte (follow directions on product label). Infants require more frequent breast feedings or bottle feedings.
• Adults should drink fluids and take in salt in soups and salted crackers. Eat frequent, small meals.
• An age-appropriate, unrestricted diet is suggested. Eat complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits, lean meats, yogurt, and vegetables. Carbonated drinks or commercial juices with a high concentration of simple carbohydrates should be avoided.

 notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of dehydration.

Special Notes: