29/09/2023
All about dehydration: what is it, why does it occur and how is it treated?
Doctors agree that adequate hydration is essential to our health. But what if we don't take in enough fluids? Then so-called dehydration can occur. In this article, we have summarized all the key information about dehydration for you.
What is dehydration?
What is the definition of dehydration? Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. It occurs when more fluid leaves the body than enters the body. Over the course of a day, we expel approximately 2.5 liters of fluid from the body through sweating, urination, stools and breathing, which should be replenished through drinking.
Elderly people, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, athletes and people who live at high altitudes are at higher risk of dehydration.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Reactions of the body to dehydration vary based on whether the condition is mild or severe and also whether the dehydration affects adults or children.
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration in adults and elderly include feeling thirsty, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. Severe dehydration may present in addition with dry skin that lacks elasticity, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and confusion.
While symptoms of mild dehydration can be relieved at home, severe dehydration usually requires hospitalization. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of extreme dehydration, seek medical help as soon as possible.
What are the causes of dehydration?
One of the most common causes of dehydration is excessive sweating, which can occur, for example, during sports or on hot summer days. If you play sports or are exposed to high temperatures, you should always increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration can also be caused by illnesses that cause constant vomiting or diarrhoea, fever, or increased urine production.
What foods and drinks can lead to dehydration?
If left untreated, dehydration can in extreme cases lead to life-threatening health complications that include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, seizures due to electrolyte deficiency, kidney failure or coma.
If your body uses more fluid than it takes in over a long period of time, you may be dealing with long-term or chronic dehydration. If this condition is not treated early, it can lead to a number of other health problems such as kidney stones or cardiovascular problems.
What medical problems are caused by dehydration?
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to life-threatening health complications that include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, seizures due to electrolyte deficiency, kidney failure or coma.
If your body uses more fluid than it takes in over a long period of time, you may be dealing with long-term or chronic dehydration. If this condition is not treated early, it can lead to a number of other health problems such as kidney stones or high blood pressure.
Prevention of dehydration
The good news is that dehydration and its associated symptoms can be effectively prevented. How? By drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and eating foods high in water, such as fruits and vegetables. To make sure you don't forget to drink, always carry a glass or bottle of water with you.
Conversely, try to avoid drinks and foods that can cause or worsen dehydration. Remember to increase your fluid intake when the weather is hot, when you are sick or when you are playing sports.
How to deal with dehydration
Dehydration can be solved/managed by rehydration. Experts recommend drinking not only water but also drinks containing electrolytes, for example the food supplement ELOTRANS® reload .
If you are dehydrated, do not try to drink as many fluids as possible at once, but gradually sip water and electrolyte drinks throughout the day. For severe forms of dehydration, intravenous infusions may be necessary.
ELOTRANS® reload is a food supplement with sugar and sweeteners. It is an isotonic electrolyte glucose mixture containing magnesium that contributes to electrolyte balance.
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