Dehydration is a condition characterized by a deficiency of water in the body, resulting from rapid and excessive fluid loss. This state disrupts the water-salt balance. Doctors note that a loss of 1% of fluid can lead to a malfunction of the entire organism, while a loss of more than 20% can be fatal. The optimal amount of fluid for the normal functioning of all body systems varies individually and depends on many factors. There are recommended daily intake levels for water; however, sometimes even higher fluid intake is necessary to prevent dehydration:
First and foremost, this applies to people who sweat heavily; they experience excessive sweating through the skin. It does not matter whether this is caused by hot weather, intense workouts, or hormonal imbalances—daily water intake must be increased. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also need more fluids. The majority of the liquid is used for milk production, as breast milk consists of 90% water. Therefore, it is essential for nursing mothers to consume enough fluids, which should be healthy and nutritious.
Athletes should also drink significantly more. Maintaining an adequate and balanced hydration regimen is crucial for developing endurance during intense physical activities. In cases of poisoning accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, patients should be given more water since increased fluid loss can pose dangerous complications for the entire body. During diarrhea caused by intestinal infections, a large amount of fluid is lost; at the same time, alkaline ions are excreted, leading to acidosis (an increase in acidity) in the body.
If someone suffers from heatstroke, not only sweating but also blood circulation is impaired. Initially, it is important to provide the patient with a large amount of cool water; mineral water with a bit of sugar and salt can also be beneficial. It is advisable to drink more while on a diet since individuals trying to lose weight do not receive nutrients in their usual amounts. It is crucial not to restrict fluid intake to avoid metabolic disturbances.
Dehydration can result from illnesses such as salmonellosis, cholera, and other forms of gastroenteritis. Severe forms of dehydration can occur due to burns on the surface of the body. In small children, even a first-degree burn that causes redness in an area can lead to fluid loss. In more severe burns where blisters filled with interstitial fluid form at the injury site, significant plasma volume is lost from the body. This leads to severe dehydration that can be fatal without treatment.
Causes
The primary cause of dehydration is excessively high and rapid water loss. Dehydration often occurs in hot climates or among individuals with chronic diseases or digestive disorders. The most common causes include:
Intestinal infections: They account for about 48% of all cases of dehydration. Fluid is lost through vomit and liquid stool. Dehydration due to intestinal infections is typically observed in children under 5-6 years old because this group has lower compensatory capabilities.
Extensive burns: Dehydration occurs due to massive exudate loss from burns if the patient does not receive adequate infusion therapy. Symptoms of fluid deficiency are noted even with second-degree thermal injuries when their area exceeds 10-15% of the body.
Increased sweating: This occurs during elevated body temperature or when in environments with high ambient temperatures. Signs of dehydration appear after several hours of intense sweating without compensating for water losses through abundant drinking.
Nutritional deficiency: Normally, a person loses about one and a half liters of fluid daily even without additional factors that would increase its loss. Dehydration occurs when daily water intake is less than the volume lost through urine, stool, sweat, and other physiological secretions.
Shortness of breath: With each exhalation, some amount of water vapor is expelled from the body. The more breaths a person takes, the more moisture they lose. This explains dehydration in patients suffering from respiratory conditions as well as tourists traveling in mountainous areas.
Types of Dehydration
Considering the reduction in water content in the body, three degrees of dehydration are distinguished:
Mild Dehydration: Water loss (body weight) does not exceed 5%. Blood pressure and body temperature remain normal; mucous membranes are moist. The general condition changes: there is rapid physical fatigue, muscle weakness, apathy, and distractibility. At the same time, there is a constant feeling of thirst; skin appears pale and loses elasticity; dark circles appear under the eyes; saliva becomes thick and slightly foamy; urine output decreases slightly while its color darkens.
Moderate Dehydration: Water loss ranges from 6% to 9% of total weight. Along with unquenchable thirst come other symptoms: general malaise, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and dryness in oral mucosae. Temperature may be lowered; skin appears unnaturally pale; headaches may occur periodically along with nausea and vomiting; cramps may develop. In infants under one year old, signs include sunken fontanelle and absence of tears while crying.
Severe Dehydration: Weight loss exceeds 10%, posing threats to health and life. Characteristic signs include dizziness, hallucinations, low blood pressure, sunken eyes, rapid breathing; skin appears mottled and cold; there may be no urine output into the bladder at all. In some cases, patients may lose consciousness; coma or death may ensue.