How to Treat Dehydration

Every human being has 75% of water in his or her body, which is necessary for it to function properly. Water can be found in the blood cells, blood vessels and in the areas between the cells in a human body. Normally, we lose water everyday while breathing, urinating, excreting and sweating. We drink water to substitute this loss of water from the body. When the water which is lost is not replaced, and when the body lacks the required amount of water for a long time, the person is said to suffer from dehydration.

Dehydration can be caused due to diarrhea, excessive vomiting and sweating, as a great amount of water is lost due to these acts. Roaming under the hot sun and also having fever are some of the reasons for dehydration. Diabetes has also been reported to be the cause of dehydration.

For treatment to begin, it is important to diagnose dehydration in its early stages. The common symptoms that one can observe in a person affected with dehydration are dry mouth, nausea, irritability, dark yellow urine, muscle cramps, vomiting, thick saliva, weakness, lack of tears while crying and also lack of sweat production. A dehydrated person can also experience giddiness due to decrease in blood pressure.

Dehydration can occur in three levels, which includes mild, moderate and severe.

If a person has mild dehydration, then he can be cured by treatment given at home. The patient should be asked to lie down in a room where the temperature is cold, preferably in one with an air condition. Then, he should be given water, broth and fluids that contain electrolytes which includes, Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialyte, Kaolectrolyte, etc., in small quantities, between regular gaps. These replacement fluids are more effective than plain water and helps in re-hydrating the person. The patient should be kept on a light diet of liquids and fruits until all the symptoms of dehydration have stopped. Consumption of tea, caffeine drinks and soda should be avoided.

If a person has moderate dehydration, he can be given the same treatment as recommended for a person with mild dehydration. However, if the symptoms persist for a long time, it is better to consult the physician. The doctor would also recommend the intake of fluid. However, for any reason if the patient is not able to consume through the mouth, he may be administered IV, where the fluids are passed to the person's body through an intravenous tube. The doctor may also check if dehydration has occurred due to some serious medical condition like diabetes or something similar.

As dehydration is something that can affect people of all age groups, it is necessary that everyone should take some precautions to avoid getting dehydrated. One should drink lots of water while performing everyday normal activities, indulging in exhausting physical activities and also while going out in the Sun. Dehydration is a serious condition, which if not treated at the right time can even lead to the death of the person.