02/10/2023
How is dehydration treated?
Only a hydrated body can function as it should. However, if you do not give your body enough fluids, dehydration can occur. According to experts, our cognitive function and mood are negatively affected the moment the body's water content drops by just one percent. What are the most common causes of dehydration and how is dehydration treated?
What is dehydration?
What is the definition of dehydration? Dehydration refers to a condition where our body gives out more fluid than it takes in. The moment you feel thirsty, it means you are already slightly dehydrated.
In addition to feeling thirsty, dehydration can also manifest itself in darker colored urine, fatigue, dry mouth, headache or dizziness, and confusion.
TIP: Try the dehydration test
How can you tell if you're struggling with dehydration? The color of your urine can tell you a lot. If your urine is darker, it means you're dehydrated; if you're adequately hydrated, your urine is light yellow to clear.
A test involving squeezing the skin on the back of your hand can also indicate dehydration, and you should watch how quickly the skin returns to its original position. In the case of dehydration, the skin returns to the tense position more slowly.
What are the causes of dehydration?
Dehydration often occurs on hot days when you sweat a lot or when you are struggling with fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Of course, not drinking enough fluids during the day or taking certain medications that increase urine output can also cause dehydration.
Infants and young children are at higher risk of dehydration, as are seniors and people with chronic illnesses.
What foods and drinks can make dehydration worse?
Salty and high-protein foods can make dehydration worse, as can caffeinated drinks, overly sweet drinks, and alcohol. You should therefore avoid these foods and drinks on hot summer days and during physical activity.
What are the risks of dehydration?
Dehydration should definitely not be underestimated as it can lead to health complications, both mild and serious.
Dehydration can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. It can also contribute to the formation of kidney and urinary stones. In addition, it can cause electrolyte imbalances or in extreme cases shock, coma, and even death.
Treatment of dehydration
The treatment for dehydration is to rehydrate or increase drinking, and rest. In case of mild or moderate symptoms, dehydration can be treated at home. How? Ideally by drinking water along with a rehydration drink containing electrolytes.
Avoid drinking large amounts of water at once, which puts a strain on the kidneys. Instead, sip fluids in smaller doses throughout the day.
What to drink and eat when dehydrated?
As outlined above, drinking plain water is best for dehydration, along with drinks containing electrolytes, which are minerals that occur naturally in our bodies, such as magnesium or sodium and potassium. At the pharmacy, you can buy special over-the-counter rehydration solutions for adults and children designed to increase fluid and electrolyte levels.
You can also reach for unsweetened tea and foods high in water, such as vegetables and fruit. Do not consume caffeinated drinks, sweetened drinks, and alcohol during home treatment
Severe dehydration treatment
While symptoms of mild dehydration can be treated at home with the help of a sufficient drinking regime, in the case of severe dehydration you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In particular, severe dehydration is indicated by severe thirst, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, rapid shallow breathing, rapid pulse and pale skin.
In some cases, severe dehydration may require hospitalization, where fluids may be given to you intravenously by infusion.
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