The condition of dehydration can cause serious complications if left unattended or ignored. To prevent the body from dehydration, one should take precautions regarding water intake in normal or complex situations. Normally one should try to drink plenty of water and consume healthy fluids also. The water not only keeps the body hydrated but also helps in washing out toxins from the body. Special attention is given to those who are at greater risk of dehydrating. Small children cannot take account of their water and fluid consumption, hence, they should be attended to properly. The old people lose the sensation of thirst, hence, they should be encouraged to drink the required amount at specific intervals. Sick people are also prone to dehydration as they are unable to take care of themselves. Thus, the attendant must record and provide the needed amount of water or fluid in whatever possible ways. The simple way to prevent the body from dehydration is by rehydrating it. The sooner the action is taken, there will be fewer complications. During dehydration, the body suddenly starts to give up as water is essential for metabolism. Therefore, it is wise to compensate the dehydrated body with water and electrolytes as soon as it is realized. If the patient is unable to take fluids orally, intravenous fluids are given to them. As soon as it is realized that a person is tending to lose the body fluids very frequently, the first aid in dehydration should be provided immediately by giving an oral rehydration solution (ORS). If ORS is not available, a homemade water solution with sugar and salt should be provided to the patient continuously. After this, the patient must be attended by a physician as soon as possible.
Causes of Dehydration
The intake of less water than removed and hot weather tends to cause dehydration. The intake of less water can be due to busyness, laziness, unavailability of water, the inability to drink, or under some special conditions that associate dehydration with them. Many types of illness and medication also induce dehydration if not taken care of properly. Those special conditions are discussed below:
Diarrhea: The most common reason for dehydration is diarrhea. Diarrhea is a condition in which the bowel movement increases severely. This condition causes body fluids and electrolytes to be lost frequently and severely. Every year, many children lose their lives due to diarrhea or dehydration due to diarrhea.
Sweating: Sweating is when the body secretes sweat under hot conditions to cool the body. During excessive heat or after an extensive workout, the body releases lots of water through sweating, and under normal conditions, leads to thirst. If this water requirement is not fulfilled, it can cause dehydration. Sweat is also secreted under stress such as fever or diarrhea that may cause dehydration.
Vomiting: Sometimes, due to diarrhea or other problems, a person may suffer from vomiting. The increased number of vomiting can lead to excessive loss of water, causing dehydration.
Burns: Some persons who are victims of burns also can experience dehydration. Their skin is burnt, providing a protective shield against the loss of water and allowing the body to lose a lot of water. Also, the damaged blood vessels leak water in the surrounding spaces that cause the loss of fluid. This condition can lead to dehydration.
Diabetes: People having diabetes also can experience dehydration due to the tendency of frequent urination. This tendency is due to the loss of sugar in the blood and the water to compensate for it.
