Dehydration definition

Dehydration results from excessive loss of water and electrolytes from the body. If prolonged, dehydration can compromise organ perfusion, resulting in shock. It is principally caused by diarrhoea, vomiting and severe burns. Children are particularly susceptible to dehydration due to frequent episodes of gastroenteritis, high surface area to volume ratio and inability to fully communicate, or independently meet their fluid needs. The protocols below are focused on treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea and vomiting. Alternative treatment protocols should be used for children with malnutrition (see Clinical features and assessment • History of diarrhoea and/or vomiting and concomitant reduced urine output. • Clinical features depend on the degree of dehydration (see table below). Features such as dry mouth, absence of tears may also be noted. • Patients with severe dehydration should be assessed for shock (tachycardia, low blood pressure and delayed capillary refill time etc.). • Electrolyte disorders may cause tachypnoea, muscle cramps or weakness, cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rate, palpitation), confusion and/or seizures. Classification of degree of dehydration (adapted from the WHO) Citation 1. World Health Organization. The treatment of diarrhoea : a manual for physicians and other senior health workers, 4th rev. World Health Organization. 2005. Citation 2. World Health Organization. Pocket book of Hospital Care for children. Guidelines for the Management o...

Background Dehydration results from a decrease in total body water content either due to less intake or more fluid loss. Common symptoms of dehydration are dry mouth/tongue, thirst, headache, and lethargy. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of dehydration definition, symptoms, causes, prevention, water intake recommendations and water intake practices among people living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study using self-reported questionnaire was employed. Participants were invited during their visit to shopping malls. The shopping malls were selected based on geographical location covering east, west, north and southern part of the city. Self-filled questionnaires were distributed to 393 participants, using systematic sampling technique. Variables recorded included demographics, past medical history, knowledge of dehydration definition, symptoms, causes, prevention and daily water intake practices. Descriptive statistics were summarised as mean, standard deviation and proportions. Negative binomial model was used to identify the predictors of water intake. Analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Results Out of 393 participants, 273(70%) were Saudi, 209(53%) were female, average age was 32.32 ± 8.78 years. Majority 366(93%) had good knowledge of dehydration definition, 332(84%) for dehydration prevention, and 293(74%) of water intake recommendation. Top three recognized dehydration symptoms were: dry...

Recent Examples on the Web On top of that, things like hot showers, swimming, and sun exposure can compromise the moisture levels inside each hair, leaving the cuticles open and the strands prone to dehydration. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 7 June 2023 However, if a person does not replenish with fluids, that can lead to dehydration. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2023 Since curly hair is prone to dehydration, this cream helps add moisture, definition, and shine while tamping down frizz. — Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 12 May 2023 The drinks lead to dehydration, and the sugary and salty foods fuel inflammation. — Kristin Canning, Women's Health, 10 May 2023 Price at time of publish: $37 Best Hydration Pack CamelBak Arete 14 Hydration Backpack Go hands free with this two-in-one backpack and hydration pack that’ll stash your essentials while also providing an easy way to beat dehydration. — Tara Block, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2023 Norovirus is not usually fatal, though vulnerable populations — like the very young and the elderly — should keep an eye out for dehydration, which can be life-threatening. — Brigid Kennedy, The Week, 3 Mar. 2023 Vitalyte also contains sodium, which helps the body retain hydration and prevents dehydration. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2023 For example, kratom combined with alcohol can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and nausea. — Dallas News, 10 Nov. 2022 See More These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sourc...

Overview Dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of water from the body. The balance between fluid intake and fluid loss from the body is greatly disproportionate in dehydration. The severity of dehydration ranges from mild to severe, and dehydration can be fatal when fluid loss exceeds more than 15% of the total body water. Hypovolemia is defined as decreased circulatory volume due to blood or plasma loss. Pathophysiology of Dehydration Total body water is distributed into extracellular and intracellular compartments. The extracellular compartment contains one-third of total body water and consists of the intravascular, interstitial, and transcellular spaces. The intracellular compartment contains two-thirds of the total body water and consists of the fluid inside the body’s cells. In dehydration, fluid from the extracellular compartment is depleted first, followed by fluid from the intracellular space. Fluid loss from the intracellular space results in cellular shrinkage and metabolic dysfunction. Dehydration occurs because of decreased water intake, increased fluid loss, or both. In the elderly, impaired thirst sensation, chronic illness, fever, and sickness are common causes of decreased water intake. Common causes of increased fluid loss include vomiting, Dehydration can be classified according to serum sodium concentration into hypernatremic, hyponatremic, or isonatremic dehydration. • If water loss is greater in comparison to sodium loss, then the serum sodium ...

Overview Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms Hyponatremia signs and symptoms may include: • Nausea and vomiting • Headache • Confusion • Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue • Restlessness and irritability • Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps • Seizures • Coma When to see a doctor Seek emergency care for anyone who develops severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness. Call your doctor if you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and are experiencing nausea, headaches, cramping or weakness. Depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Causes Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body's fluid balance. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 m...