DEHYDRATION

Dehydration is the excessive loss of water in the body. It is also defined as a condition caused by excessive loss of water from the body, which causes a rise in blood sodium levels. It occurs when more water and fluids leave the body than enter it.

CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION

There are so many ways that there can be excessive loss of body water. They include;

1.       DIARRHEA

This is the most common cause of dehydration. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.

2.       VOMITING

Vomiting is a forceful discharge of stomach contents through the mouth. A prolonged vomiting can cause the body to lose more fluid than it can take in. This results in dehydration.

3.       EXCESSIVE SWEATING ( HYPERHIDROSIS)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical name for excessive sweating. Sweating hydrates the skin and maintains the balance of electrolytes in the body. The sweat is composed mainly of salt and water. Excessive sweating can cause dehydration since a large amount of water will be lost.

4.       DIABETES

High blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss.

5.       BURNS

When one gets burn injury, the body releases chemicals that cause fluid to leave the blood vessels. This fluid accumulates in and around the burn causing swelling. When the fluid seeps from the burned area, it causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

6.       FREQUENT URINATION

This is passing out urine continuously than normal. Frequent urination can be a symptom of many different problems. It can be a sign of kidney or ureter problems, urinary bladder problems, diabetes, pregnancy, prostate gland problems, urinary tract infection and others. This can lead to dehydration.

SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION

The symptoms of dehydration may range from minor to severe.

The minor symptoms include;

Ø  Headache

Ø  Dry skin

Ø  Increased thirst

Ø  Dry mouth

Ø  Urine is too much concentrated.

Ø  Few/ no tears

Ø  Dizziness

The severe or major symptoms include;

Ø  Poor skin elasticity

Ø  Fever

Ø  Decreased urine output

Ø  Rapid heart rate

Ø  Dizziness that does not allow the person to stand or walk normally.

Ø  Low blood pressure / orthostatic hypotension when the person tries to stand after lying down.

(Orthostatic Hypotension is define as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg within 3 minutes of standing when compared with blood pressure from sitting).

HOW TO PREVENT DEHYDRATION

There are several ways, which can help prevent excessive loss of body water.

·         Drink plenty of water before and after physical activities like exercise.

·         Have between 6 and 8 cups of fluids a day.

·         Do not exercise in hot weathers.

·         Avoid high protein diets. (High protein diets are diet that are rich in proteins).

·         Avoid alcohol including beer and wine.

If you really want to prevent dehydration and enjoy a good life, then you must consider the facts above.

#iCare- Gh, enjoy a good life.