Dealing with Dehydration

Dealing with Dehydration

It is essential that you drink enough water when your body loses fluids.

Causes for dehydration.

You can become dehydrated through losing too much water, too much sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or if you are urinating too much. Or you could be dehydrated simply from not drinking enough water. This could be through a sickness, exhaustion or any other physical discomfort you are going through that prevents you from drinking enough water.

How to identify dehydration.

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth and swollen tongue
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
  • Confusion
  • Sluggishness
  • Fainting
  • Inability to sweat
  • Decreased urine output

Treating dehydration at home

If you see and suspect any of the symptoms in yourself or a family member, don’t rush into gulping down litres of water. First you need to bring down those high temperatures by sipping on water or even sucking on ice cubes.

“One of the first steps in treating dehydration is to gradually cool the patient. This can be done by evaporation with mists and fans or cooling blankets and baths. Once the temperatures are cooling down you must also drink fluids that contain carbohydrate, along with water,”

How to prevent  dehydration

Dehydration can be prevented in a number of ways, including:

  • Make sure that an adequate amount of water is consumed during the day.
  • Plan ahead and take extra water to all outdoor events and work as this is where increased sweating, activity, and heat stress will increase fluid losses.
  • Avoid exercise during high peak temperature, especially during the middle of the day.
  • Ensure that older people and children have adequate drinking water or fluids available and assist them as necessary.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol, especially when the weather is very hot.

To read more on Patient Care, click on the link below.

Patient Care

Content Courtesy : Portea