Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition where the body fluids that enter are less than the body fluids that leave. This can cause the body to be unable to function properly.
About 55 to 80 percent of the total body weight consists of water. Of course, water in the body has a very important role, namely helping the digestive system work, removing toxins and dirt out, helping stabilize body temperature, and being a natural lubricant for joints.
Unfortunately, dehydration is often considered as normal thirst. In fact, if not treated properly, dehydration can develop into a more serious health problem, such as hypovolemia. When this condition occurs, water in the bloodstream is pulled out by body tissues as an effort to ensure that the body’s fluid needs are met. If left untreated, this can lead to shock and death.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Excessive thirst and changes in urine color to dark and dark yellow are two main symptoms of dehydration. This sign is actually an attempt by the body to increase fluid consumption while reducing the discharge of more fluid from the inside. Depending on how much fluid is lost from the body, dehydration symptoms are grouped into two categories, namely:
1. Mild-Moderate Dehydration
When experiencing mild to moderate dehydration, a person may experience symptoms such as:
- Thirst.
- Urine that is dark yellow or concentrated.
- The frequency and volume of urination decreases.
- Mouth feels dry and sticky.
- Become more sleepy and tired easily.
- Frequent headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Experiencing muscle cramps.
- Feverish body.
- Difficulty defecating or constipation.
2. Severe Dehydration
Meanwhile, someone who has experienced severe dehydration will show the following symptoms:
- Feeling very thirsty.
- Heart beats irregularly.
- Experiencing a decrease in blood pressure.
- Breathing becomes faster.
- The eyes look sunken.
- The skin becomes drier and loses its elasticity.
- Urine becomes darker in color, and you may not urinate at all.
- Severe headache.
- More sleepy.
- Looks dazed and becomes irritable.
- Fainting or experiencing decreased consciousness.
- Convulsions.
Causes of Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body’s fluid intake is not met or the fluid that comes out of the body is more than the fluid that comes in. Body fluids can be lost through vomiting, urination, sweating, and diarrhea. In addition, physical activity, weather, and food can affect how severe dehydration occurs.
Anyone can experience dehydration. However, there are people who are more at risk of experiencing it, namely:
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Babies and Children
Babies and children are more susceptible to diarrhea because their smaller bodies are more sensitive to changes in mineral and water levels. Not only that, both are also susceptible to diarrhea.
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Elderly
Elderly people experience less focus and attention to thirst, so they will drink less often. This condition will be especially visible in elderly people with dementia.
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Athlete
Athletes or people who exercise will experience a lot of water loss in the body because it comes out in the form of sweat. The longer the duration of exercise, of course the more difficult it is for the body to maintain hydration. Groups of athletes who are more susceptible to dehydration are soccer players, cyclists, and runners.
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People Who Exercise in Hot and Humid Places
When the air is humid, the sweat produced by the body is unable to evaporate and cool the body temperature as normal conditions. This will have an impact on increasing body temperature which makes the body need more fluid intake.
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Diarrhea and Vomiting Sufferers
Vomiting and diarrhea can occur due to many health problems. This can cause the body to lose a lot of fluids in a relatively short time.
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Fever Sufferer
Generally, the higher the body temperature, the higher the risk of someone experiencing dehydration. Because, when feverish, the body will try as much as possible to maintain the temperature by sweating. However, excessive sweating can actually cause dehydration.
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Being at a Certain Height
When you are at a certain altitude, the body will try to adjust by increasing the frequency of urination and breathing faster. This is known as altitude sickness. If the fluids that come out of the body are not immediately replaced, this health problem can cause the sufferer to become dehydrated.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy will cause the bladder to get excessive pressure. This will make pregnant women urinate more often, especially when the pregnancy has entered the third trimester. Similar to pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers also become thirstier and need to get more fluid intake so that the flow of breast milk remains smooth.
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People with Chronic Health Problems
Chronic illnesses, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can lead to dehydration. This condition occurs because the body will produce more urine to remove excess sugar in the body. Not only diabetes, other long-term health problems that also cause dehydration are heart problems and kidney failure.
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People with Certain Health Problems
Not many people know that dehydration is more at risk for people who are addicted to alcoholic beverages. This is because alcoholic beverages have diuretic properties that make people who consume them urinate frequently. In addition to alcohol, caffeine and tea are also diuretic drinks. Dehydration is also at greater risk for someone who has extensive burns, heat stroke, cystic fibrosis, and anorexia nervosa.
Dehydration Diagnosis
In order to get a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor will begin the examination by asking about all the symptoms felt as well as the patient’s medical history. Next, the doctor can perform a complete physical examination, including measuring blood pressure. If necessary, the doctor will also recommend several supporting examinations, namely:
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Blood Test
It is done by taking a blood sample from the sufferer for further observation in the laboratory. The blood test aims to check the levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) in the body and check kidney function.
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Urine Examination
Next is a urine test, which is done by taking a urine sample from the sufferer to detect whether or not there are signs of dehydration and what causes it.
Dehydration Treatment
Dehydration treatment aims to replace lost minerals and body fluids. The easiest way is of course to consume more mineral water or fruit juice with a thin consistency. In addition, sufferers are also allowed to consume sweet drinks to help replace lost sugar or salty snacks to help replace sodium or salt in the body.
When you are dehydrated, your body not only loses fluids, but also sugar and salt. Consuming oralit can also help restore the balance of these minerals. However, you should still ask your doctor first before consuming oralit.
If dehydration occurs due to diarrhea, you should not consume fruit juice, caffeinated drinks, and soda. Instead, replace lost body fluids and electrolytes by consuming electrolyte or isotonic drinks. Depending on age and severity, here are some ways to overcome dehydration:
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Dehydration in Babies
Babies under 6 months who are dehydrated are advised to breastfeed more often, for example when vomiting, having diarrhea, or having a fever. If the baby is consuming formula milk, replace it with lactose-free formula milk until the diarrhea stops completely. Lactose will be more difficult for the body of a baby with diarrhea to digest, and can even make the diarrhea worse. If the baby is over 6 months old, give breast milk and water and oralit.
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Dehydration in Children
Treatment of dehydration in children is not enough to just give mineral water. Giving too much water can actually cause a decrease in mineral levels in the child’s body and make dehydration worse. So, replace mineral water with oralit solution, especially when the child has diarrhea and vomiting.
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Dehydration in Athletes
To overcome dehydration that occurs due to exercise, as is often experienced by athletes, consuming energy drinks that contain electrolytes and carbohydrate intake is the most appropriate option. Avoid consuming all types of soda, caffeine, and alcohol. It should also be noted that athletes are at risk of experiencing hyponatremia if they consume too much mineral water in a short time.
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Severe Dehydration
Children and adults with severe dehydration need immediate treatment in the hospital. Especially if the sufferer has difficulty eating or drinking or even loses consciousness. Usually, the doctor will perform first aid by giving fluids or medication through an IV or parenterally.
Complications of Dehydration
Dehydration that is not treated immediately or is not treated properly can lead to various complications, such as:
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Problems with the Urinary Tract and Kidneys
Dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney stones, and even acute kidney failure. This condition can worsen, especially if dehydration occurs more than once.
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Hyperthermia
Doing heavy physical activity without paying attention to the body’s fluid intake needs can cause dehydration and trigger a significant increase in body temperature. This condition, called hyperthermia, can lead to heat stroke.
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Seizures
The occurrence of disturbances in the balance of electrolyte levels in the body, especially potassium and sodium, can cause a person to experience dehydration which can lead to seizures.
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Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is the most serious complication of dehydration. In fact, without treatment, this condition can result in someone losing their life.
Dehydration Prevention
To prevent dehydration, the most important preventive measure that can be taken is to fulfill the body’s daily fluid intake. In addition to mineral water, you can also fulfill the body’s fluid needs by consuming infused water or sparkling water. Other preventive measures that can be taken are:
- Drink at least 8 glasses or 2 liters of water every day for adults.
- Eat foods with high water content, such as vegetables and fruit.
- Make sure you drink enough when exercising, especially when the weather is hot.
- Fulfill fluid intake in children or adults who are sick, especially when experiencing fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.