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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Dehydration''' (hypohydration) is the removal of [[water]] (''hydro'' in ancient [[Greek language|Greek]]) from an object. [[Medical]]ly, it is a condition in which the body contains an insufficient [[volume]] of water for normal functioning. | '''Dehydration''' (hypohydration) is the removal of [[water]] (''hydro'' in ancient [[Greek language|Greek]]) from an object. [[Medical]]ly, it is a condition in which the body contains an insufficient [[volume]] of water for normal functioning. | ||
==Medical therapy== | |||
The best treatment for minor dehydration is drinking water and stopping fluid loss. | |||
Water is preferable to sport drinks and other commercially-sold rehydration fluids, as the balance of electrolytes they provide may not match the replacement requirements of the individual. To stop fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea, avoid solid foods and drink only clear liquids.<ref>"Healthwise Handbook," Healthwise, Inc., 1999</ref> | |||
In more severe cases, correction of a dehydrated state is accomplished by the replenishment of necessary water and [[electrolyte]]s ([[rehydration]], through [[oral rehydration therapy]] or [[intravenous therapy]]). Even in the case of serious lack of fresh water (e.g., at sea or in a desert), drinking seawater or [[urine]] does not help, nor does the consumption of [[alcohol]]. It is often thought that the sudden influx of [[salt]] into the body from seawater will cause the [[cell (biology)|cell]]s to dehydrate and the [[kidney]]s to overload and shut down but it has been calculated that an average adult can drink up to 0.2 liters of seawater per day before the kidneys start to fail. | |||
When dehydrated, unnecessary [[sweating]] should be avoided, as it wastes water. If there is only dry food, it is better not to eat, as water is necessary for [[digestion]]. For severe cases of dehydration where [[fainting]], [[unconsciousness]], or other severely inhibiting symptom is present (the patient is incapable of standing or thinking clearly), emergency attention is required. Fluids containing a proper balance of replacement electrolytes are given orally or intravenously with continuing assessment of electrolyte status; complete resolution is the norm in all but the most extreme cases. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
{{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | {{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | ||
{{WikiDoc Sources}} | {{WikiDoc Sources}} | ||
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]] | |||
[[Category:Electrolyte disturbance]] | |||
[[Category:Nutrition]] | |||
[[Category:Causes of death]] | |||
[[Category:Inborn errors of metabolism]] | |||
[[Category:Physical examination]] | |||
Latest revision as of 21:15, 29 July 2020
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Dehydration Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Dehydration overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Dehydration overview |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saumya Easaw, M.B.B.S.[3]
Overview
Dehydration (hypohydration) is the removal of water (hydro in ancient Greek) from an object. Medically, it is a condition in which the body contains an insufficient volume of water for normal functioning.
Medical therapy
The best treatment for minor dehydration is drinking water and stopping fluid loss. Water is preferable to sport drinks and other commercially-sold rehydration fluids, as the balance of electrolytes they provide may not match the replacement requirements of the individual. To stop fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea, avoid solid foods and drink only clear liquids.[1]
In more severe cases, correction of a dehydrated state is accomplished by the replenishment of necessary water and electrolytes (rehydration, through oral rehydration therapy or intravenous therapy). Even in the case of serious lack of fresh water (e.g., at sea or in a desert), drinking seawater or urine does not help, nor does the consumption of alcohol. It is often thought that the sudden influx of salt into the body from seawater will cause the cells to dehydrate and the kidneys to overload and shut down but it has been calculated that an average adult can drink up to 0.2 liters of seawater per day before the kidneys start to fail.
When dehydrated, unnecessary sweating should be avoided, as it wastes water. If there is only dry food, it is better not to eat, as water is necessary for digestion. For severe cases of dehydration where fainting, unconsciousness, or other severely inhibiting symptom is present (the patient is incapable of standing or thinking clearly), emergency attention is required. Fluids containing a proper balance of replacement electrolytes are given orally or intravenously with continuing assessment of electrolyte status; complete resolution is the norm in all but the most extreme cases.
References
- ↑ "Healthwise Handbook," Healthwise, Inc., 1999