What is Dehydration?
Water is an essential nutrient for the life of all living beings. Approximately 50-60% of the human body is made up of water. In other words, the body’s primary fluid is water. During hot summer days, the importance of water becomes even more pronounced. For a healthy life, the amount of fluid lost from the body should not exceed the amount taken in.
However, for various reasons, the body may experience excessive fluid loss. This condition is known as dehydration. If dehydration is not addressed in its early stages, it can lead to severe consequences. You can find more information about dehydration in the rest of this article.
How Does Dehydration Occur?
Dehydration is when the body loses more fluids than it should for various reasons. Water has many roles, from digesting food to facilitating chemical reactions in the body and regulating body temperature. Without water, humans can only survive a few days. A disruption in the body’s fluid-electrolyte balance can cause damage to many organs, especially the kidneys.
Normally, the amount of fluid lost should be balanced with the amount taken in. The body’s fluid balance is called hydration. The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for removing fluids from the body. Approximately 1500 ml of fluid is expelled daily through the kidneys.
This is followed by the skin, intestines, and respiratory system. Normally, when the body senses dehydration, it signals the need to replace lost fluids through thirst. Babies are the group most vulnerable to dehydration because they cannot express their thirst.
Additionally, kidney dysfunction, diarrhea, excessive sweating, long flights, high fever, and vomiting can lead to fluid loss. When the body loses fluids, essential minerals like sodium and potassium are also expelled. If the body cannot replenish lost fluids and minerals through water or other foods and drinks, an imbalance in the fluid-electrolyte balance occurs, negatively impacting many organs and tissues.
What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration?
The severity of dehydration is determined by the amount of fluid loss in the body. Accordingly, dehydration is classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe dehydration. In mild dehydration, the fluid loss in the body is less than 3%. In moderate dehydration, this percentage ranges from 3-6%, while in severe cases, it is over 6%. The symptoms of dehydration also vary depending on its severity. So, what are the symptoms of dehydration? The main symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Thirst: When the body’s fluid balance starts to deteriorate, the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger, fullness, and thirst, is triggered, causing a need to drink water. The hypothalamus is also responsible for regulating body temperature, playing a crucial role in maintaining fluid-electrolyte balance. It secretes a hormone known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps the body conserve water. When the body is dehydrated, ADH reduces urine output and triggers the urge to drink fluids. Thirst is the first and mildest symptom of dehydration, easily corrected by consuming fluids. However, people sometimes neglect to drink water when busy, leading to more severe consequences if water needs are not promptly met.
- Dry Mouth: Along with thirst, dry mouth is one of the initial symptoms of dehydration. It reduces both the stickiness and quantity of saliva produced by the salivary glands. In babies who cannot communicate their thirst, a dry mouth and lips can be crucial indicators of fluid loss.
- Increased Heart Rate (Tachycardia): Fluid loss is directly proportional to increased body temperature. As the body temperature rises, the heart pumps more blood to regulate temperature, leading to tachycardia. In severe dehydration, bradycardia (a very low pulse rate) may occur.
- Fatigue: Excessive sweating and high fever can lead to fluid loss, decreasing blood volume. This reduces the amount of blood flowing to tissues and cells, causing fatigue and weakness.
- Decreased Urine Output: One of the kidneys’ main roles is to maintain fluid-electrolyte balance. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, the kidneys cannot expel fluids effectively. Reduced urine output is common in all levels of dehydration and may be accompanied by dark-colored urine.
- Skin Changes: A disruption in the body’s fluid balance also affects the skin. In dehydration, reduced blood volume can decrease skin elasticity, known as skin turgor. If the skin takes time to return to normal after being pinched, it indicates fluid imbalance.
- Decreased Tear Production: The tear glands in the eyes produce tears by secreting fluids. When the body is dehydrated, tear production decreases, and in severe cases, tears may be absent.
- Muscle Cramps: Muscles rely on electrolytes to contract and relax. Therefore, intense exercisers like athletes may frequently experience muscle cramps due to fluid loss from excessive sweating.
- Fainting: In moderate and severe dehydration, extreme physical strain can cause fainting.
If dehydration is not treated early, it can lead to organ damage, loss of consciousness, shock, and even death.
Dehydration in Babies and the Elderly
Babies, the elderly, and those living at high altitudes are at greater risk of dehydration. Babies’ bodies are approximately 80% water, making them more susceptible to dehydration. The leading causes of dehydration in babies are diarrhea and insufficient breastfeeding.
It’s crucial to ensure adequate hydration for babies with diarrhea and to consult a doctor if diarrhea persists. In older adults, body water levels are around 50-60%. Dehydration can occur in this age group due to decreased kidney function, medication use, or fluid restrictions. In such cases, it is essential to seek medical attention and take appropriate precautions.
Beware of Dehydration at High Altitudes
Another risk group for dehydration includes individuals living at high altitudes. To maintain body temperature at high altitudes, the human body requires more breathing and oxygen, necessitating increased fluid intake. People on long flights may also experience dehydration due to the dry air inside the plane and the high altitude. For this reason, it is recommended to increase fluid intake during long flights.
How to Prevent Dehydration?
Dehydration is a preventable condition. Here are the main ways to prevent dehydration:
- Those experiencing fluid loss due to conditions like diarrhea or vomiting should increase fluid intake in their diet. These fluids should not be sugary or acidic. Additionally, beverages like tea and coffee, which have diuretic properties, should be minimized or avoided during dehydration.
- Synthetic fabrics can cause more sweating, leading to increased fluid loss. Especially during exercise or on hot summer days, it is advisable to wear clothing that allows the skin to breathe.
If dehydration is not detected early and precautions are not taken, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, drink plenty of water and consult the nearest healthcare facility if necessary for your health. Wishing you healthy days.