Dehydration

introduction

Dehydration describes a lack of fluid in the body. In the elderly in particular, it is often caused by drinking too little, but dehydration due to frequent gastrointestinal infections and fever is also not uncommon in children.
The lack of fluids can also lead to electrolyte disorders and, in the worst case, dehydration of the body with impaired consciousness.

Definition

Dehydration (also: dehydration or dehydration) is when the amount of fluid in the body decreases and a Lack of water consists. The lack of water in the body can vary depending on the cause different degrees of severity accept. Very severe dehydration can lead to Dehydration (Desiccosis) of the body. Dehydration can either be caused by insufficient fluid intake or very high fluid loss.
There are several forms of dehydration that can affect this Ratio of water and minerals (Electrolytes) in the body. A balanced ratio of water and electrolytes is very important in the body as it provides the basis for all functions.
This is the main thing with electrolytes sodium a crucial role in the regulation of the water balance of humans. In isotonic dehydration, sodium and water are absent to the same extent, whereas in the other two forms the ratio is shifted. In the hypotonic Dehydration it is above all the sodium that is insufficiently available, whereas with the hypertonic dehydration there is an enormous lack of fluids and there is relatively too much sodium in the body.

causes

The causes of a lack of water in the body can be very different. The most common cause of dehydration is too little drinking. this concerns especially the elderly, as they have a lower need to drink and feel thirsty. But also in young people heavy physical labor or at very high temperatures, dehydration can quickly occur if you do not drink enough to replace the exuded water.

In addition, lead too Diarrhea and vomiting dehydration of the body relatively quickly, as well as fever.
At high blood loss as a result of an injury, the body also becomes dehydrated. The fluid here is the blood in the vessels.

But organ diseases can also be the cause of dehydration, for example acute kidney failure or adrenal weakness, such as Diabetes diseases. With these diseases there is primarily one Fluid displacement, in particular out of the vessels and cells in the so-called extracellular space, i.e. the space between the cells.

In patients who regularly diuretic drugs (Diuretics) you can use too high dosage cause dehydration.

Symptoms

Most of the time, the first symptoms that appear when there is a lack of fluid in the body are a headache and a general feeling of weakness. The sufferer usually feels thirst, because the body recognizes the lack of water and the brain sends out appropriate signals. Besides, the Urine very dark colored because the kidneys concentrate urine to remove less water.

Additional symptoms may appear as the disease progresses. These include dry skin and mucous membranesthat are in standing skin folds to make noticable. In addition, those affected have increased dark circles. If the lack of water is not compensated for, organic symptoms can appear. Racing heart (Tachycardia) and low blood pressure (Hypotension) are to be expected, and there is usually a stress reaction to the adrenaline Sweats leads.

In later stages it can even be too Convulsions and loss of consciousness to the point of unconsciousness. If 12 to 15% of the water in the body is already missing, this leads to shock with circulatory weakness that can even lead to coma can lead.

Symptoms in Children

Children and young children are much more likely to be dehydrated than adults. This is partly because they often drink too little, on the other hand, because they often suffer from gastrointestinal infections that lead to Diarrhea and vomiting to lead. Even with long-lasting, high fever Particular attention should be paid to hydration.

Basically, a lack of fluids in children leads to the same symptoms as in adults. However, since children are often unable to express how they are doing, parents should watch out for certain symptoms, especially if they have a gastrointestinal infection. The child's mucous membranes and skin become dry and you can see standing folds of skin when you push an area of ​​skin together with your hand. Sunken eyes with dark circles under the eyes are also typical. Of the The suckling reflex in babies is weaker than usual and the Number of blinking decreases, as does urine production, which can be recognized by a dry diaper. Also one Weight loss indicates a lack of fluids. If the child is already drinking himself, an increased feeling of thirst can often be recognized. When signs of dehydration appear in a child or toddler, or even tiredness and absence that indicate one decreased awareness suggest should immediately one Pediatrician to be visited.

You can find more information on this topic here: Diarrhea in toddlers

Complications

If the replacement of the fluid is started at the first signs of dehydration, no further consequences are to be expected and the person concerned is then fully efficient again.

However, if the administration of fluids is not initiated in time, this can result in a Dehydration (Desiccosis) of the body. It comes to one deteriorated general condition, confusion and Clouding of consciousness includes. Since the lack of water also affects the flow properties of the blood, it also leads to cardiovascular complaints, which result in Racing heart and low blood pressure to make noticable. In the worst case it can lead to hypovolemic shock come.

Older people in particular tend to dehydrate quickly due to the often small amounts they drink in summer. Therefore, care should always be taken to ensure that they drink enough fluids.

diagnosis

The doctor can diagnose dehydration through the alone physical examination put.
A Blood and urine test can reveal the severity of the dehydration as well as the exact form. This is also important in this context Clarification of the causeunless it is a gastrointestinal infection or too much physical exertion, otherwise dehydration can repeat itself.

therapy

Quick and adequate hydration is the therapy of choice.

The most important treatment for dehydration is to make up for the lack of fluids. The easiest way to do this is drink a lot. Mineral water, fruit and herbal tea, and broth are suitable as they also balance out the mineral balance.

You can read more information about this here: Diet for diarrhea

If it is not possible to drink or if the dehydration is very advanced, the doctor may need a infusion which replaces fluid and minerals. Depending on how severe the lack of water is and how the symptoms are, about 2 to 4 liters needed. It is important both when drinking and when infusing that the liquid is administered slowly.

Depending on the underlying cause of the dehydration, the concomitant disease must be treated.