How to Manage and Prevent Dehydration

2021-08-15

How to Manage and Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration is when you are exposed to excess water loss to the environment; mainly through excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Water is known as the source of life. This is because of its various functions like transportation of nutrients, removing wastes from the body, regulating the body’s temperature, assisting in chemical reactions in the cell, and lubricating the body’s joints. Once there is an interference of this vital component, many processes in your body will not be effective.

There are many factors considered in terms of dehydration;

With these in mind, it is essential to note that anyone cannot foresee dehydration because it usually happens without expectations. However, there are some cases where it is not always the case. It occurs after a long time, a situation known as chronic dehydration. Chronic dehydration has a specific group of individuals at increased risks; examples of these individuals are young children, including infants and older people in society.

These groups of individuals are at risk because of many factors. In young children, this can result from a sudden increase in body temperature and episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. In the elderly, this can result from a decrease in the thirst sensation.

Distribution of Water in the Body

The weight of the human body is made up of a large percentage of water.

  • In infants water, contributes to around 75% of their body weight
  •  In young children, water can contribute to about 65%
  •  In adults, water occupies about 60% of the total weight.

 Under normal situations, water is lost from the body in different forms, including sweating, urine, excretion, and breathing. Moreover, dehydration does not only lead to the loss of excess water in the body. It also affects electrolytes balance in the body. These components help the body’s cells to perform their function well; hence, a change in the shift of any electrolyte will affect the roles played by the cells. It is essential to prevent dehydration to ensure water and electrolytes remain in their correct proportion.

Causes of Dehydration

  1. Diarrhea and vomiting are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasite infections
  2. Fever that results in loss of water in the skin.
  3. Excess sweating. This is seen in endurance athletes and children who engage in sports activities.
  4. Renal disease and hormonal disorders
  5. Certain eating disorders result in vomiting
  6. Severe burn that results in transepidermal water loss leading to loss of water and electrolytes.

Types of Dehydration

1. Mild Dehydration

This type of dehydration occurs when your body losses between 3-5% of fluid of your total body weight. It mainly results in an increased sensation of quenching one’s thirst and is primarily accompanied by thickening of the saliva and dry mouth.

2. Moderate Dehydration

Moderate dehydration results from your body losing between 6-9% of fluid from your total body weight. It is commonly known to affect young children due to challenges revolving around diarrhea and vomiting. It is identified through the following signs;

  • Reduced urine output
  •  Sunken eyes
  • Episodes of headaches
  • Intense feeling to quench thirst
  •  Decreased level of activeness.

3. Severe Dehydration

This type of dehydration occurs when your body loses 10% or more fluid from your total body weight. It is the most dangerous type of dehydration because it can affect many functions in the body. Signs that are seen among people with this type of dehydration are;

Management of Dehydration

The main objective is to ensure that fluid and electrolyte loss is restored to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. Dehydration can be managed through the following;

  • Administration of oral rehydration solutions to children who have mild dehydration
  • Continued breastfeeding of infants under 6 months on demand
  • Continued use of infant formulas to infants unless contraindicated.

Prevention of Dehydration

The best way to prevent dehydration is to reduce your chances of getting dehydrated as much as possible. Doing this involves looking out for situations that increase your chances of dehydration and taking precautions. Conditions like hot weather, episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, and exercise should be watched keenly to lower the chances of dehydration, especially in infants and young children.

 

Written By: Jackson Omanwa