What is Dehydration

What is Dehydration

Excessive loss of fluid from the body is called dehydration. If we have to look at the literal meaning of the word, then it means removal of water from an object, but if we talk about it in physiological terms, it is the deficiency of fluid in an organism. There are three types of dehydration, namely hypotonic (hyponatremic), hypertonic (hypernatremic) and isotonic (isonatremic). In hypotonic, primarily there is loss of electrolytes from the body, sodium to be particular. On the other hand, in hypertonic, there is loss of water from the body. On the other hand in isotonic, there is equal loss of water and electrolytes. Humans, normally, suffer from isotonic type of dehydration. Dehydration happens, when a person loses more bodily fluid, than the intake. It normally happens over a period of time, however, it can happen quickly in some cases.

What are the Symptoms of Dehydration

We will now turn towards symptoms of dehydration. The dehydration symptoms in adults are normally seen, when about 2 percent of water is lost from the body. The signs of dehydration are similar to a hangover. What is the first sign of dehydration? Well, it is thirst. Do you wonder, what happens during dehydration?

• The very first symptom of dehydration is dry and or sticky mouth.
• The person may also feel dizzy and eventually suffer from nausea.
• In most cases, when a person is dehydrated, his urine may become darker in color and also the quantity of urine will drop down.
• When a person is dehydrated, the eyes may not make sufficient quantity of tears.
• The person may observe, that he either sweats less or has stopped sweating all together.
• In case of severe dehydration, the person may suffer from muscles cramps.
• Heart palpitations is one of the common symptoms of dehydration.
• Dry skin can also be caused, due to dehydration.
• Constipation is also one of the signs of dehydration.

What Causes Dehydration

Dehydration is caused, when there is too much of water lost from the body and enough water is not taken in.

• Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of dehydration. A significant amount of water is lost with bowel movements leading to dehydration.
• Vomiting, like dehydration, is another common cause of dehydration. A lot of fluids are lost from the body, due vomiting. If the person is not able to tolerate liquids, then the condition may become severe.
• Other than diarrhea and vomiting, fluids can be lost from the body, due to sweat. This can be caused, due to working in a warm environment, intense exercising in a hot environment or may be also due to fever.
• Diabetes can also cause dehydration, as people with diabetes tend to lose sugar through urine and significant amount of water is also lost in the process.
• Burn victims are also known to suffer from dehydration, as the damaged skin is not able to prevent loss of fluid from the body.

What is Good for Dehydration Prevention

We will take a look at the ways to deal with dehydration, however, preventing dehydration is important. If the question, how to treat dehydration, has to answered in short, then the answer is through fluid replacement. It can either be done by oral intake of fluids or through intravenous fluid, to arrest effects of dehydration. The patient is advised to consume water along with electrolytes. Water along with salt and sugar can also be consumed. The person can consume clear broths, popsicles, jello, etc. to make up for the fluids lost from the body. Along with the measures to make up for the lost fluids from the body, it is also important to control the reasons, causing dehydration.

In this article on, what is dehydration, I hope you have found all the facts about dehydration. At the same I also hope the article proves to be of help. However, it is important to note, that this is not a medical advice and a physician should be contacted for any queries, or in case of a severe case of dehydration.