Dehydration Facts and Treatment Tips

Dehydration is loss of body water or fluids. Normally, the water depletion is signaled by thirst and is replenished by drinking. If the water lost is not replaced within a few days severe dehydration develops, which is considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms
* Mild to severe thirst.
* Dry lips and tongue.
* When urinating, little is passed. The urine is concentrated.
* Faster breathing and heart rate.
* Inelastic, dry looking skin.
* Sunken eyes.
* In an infant, a sunken fontanelle.

Compliations
* Kidney damages
* Shock
* Death

Common causes
* Excessive sweating.
* Severe heat stroke.
* Severe diarrhea or vomiting.
* Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.

What you can do
* Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcoholic beverages.
* Take oral rehydration salts.
* Consult a doctor immediately if an infant or young child is dehydrated, or if there is severe, uncontrollable vomiting.
* Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital if there are signs of shock ( paleness, rapid heart beating, cold sweating, clammy skin, fast pulse rate, and loss of consciousness).

What your doctor can do
* Determine the cause of dehydration and treat it.
* Admit you into hospital for administration of intravenous fluids, if dehydration is severe.

Prevention tips
* Drink plenty of fluids in a hot climate before, during, and after strenuous exercise r if you have diarrhea.
* If you are vomiting uncontrollably, try to sip small amounts of fluid in between bouts of retching.

So, what can you do about dehydration? Now you know!!!