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Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when your body expels more liquid than it absorbs.

 

Every day, it's natural for our bodies to lose water through activities like breathing, sweating, crying, and urinating. We typically replenish these fluids through our consumption of food and beverages.

 

However, there are times when we might expel more fluids than usual or not consume enough, leading to dehydration. Instances like recent illnesses that cause diarrhoea or vomiting can significantly increase fluid loss, making it easier for the body to dehydrate.

 

If you are concerned that you or someone you know suffers from dehydration, our doctors can assist. However, suppose the person exhibits any of the following symptoms. In that case, they may have severe dehydration and emergency medical attention is recommended: call an emergency helpline or go to a hospital immediately.

 

  • Are you too ill to be able to drink fluids, or can't keep fluids down

  • A weak pulse

  • Dizziness when you stand up

  • Confusion, feeling disoriented

  • A rapid heartbeat or breathing

  • Feeling lethargic

  • Not passing urine for eight hours

  • Fainting or seizures

Dehydration in Children and Babies

Infants and young children can become dehydrated rapidly, so it's essential to ensure they consume sufficient fluids daily. Not addressing this can escalate the situation swiftly.

 

If you suspect dehydration in a child or infant, urgently seek medical attention, either at an emergency department or from a primary care doctor, especially if they exhibit any of these symptoms:

 

  • Quickened heart rate or breath rate

  • An absence of tears or minimal tears when crying

  • Feeling lethargic

  • Limpness

  • Becoming easily agitated

  • A depressed soft spot on their head

  • A parched mouth

  • Urine that is deep yellow

  • Fewer wet diapers

  • Cold, blotchy hands and feet

  • Consuming less than half of their usual fluid intake

 

Additionally, consult a doctor immediately if your infant vomits more than three times within a day or has several bouts of diarrhoea within the same timeframe.

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A medical professional can determine the severity of your child's dehydration. Sometimes, hospital care might be necessary to restore their hydration to safe levels.

Dehydration Symptoms

Dehydration can manifest through a range of symptoms, which can be mild or intense depending on the extent of fluid loss. For mild dehydration, indicators include:

 

  • Increased thirst

  • Dark yellow urine

  • Dizziness or light-headedness

  • Fatigue

  • Dry mouth

  • Infrequent urination or only in small amounts

 

Dehydration can also affect mental well-being, leading to:

 

  • Feelings of anxiety, stress, or unease

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Mood swings

  • Disorientation

 

While increasing fluid intake can typically address mild dehydration, seeking medical care for severe cases is crucial.

 

Being unwell can reduce one's inclination to eat or drink, which might escalate dehydration. Moreover, the body might reject fluids, making it harder to rehydrate.

 

The elderly might not always detect or understand dehydration signs, and their ability to store fluid diminishes compared to the younger population.

 

Similarly, individuals with certain chronic diseases – such as uncontrolled diabetes leading to frequent urination – are more prone to dehydration. We'll delve into more such conditions later on.

Dehydration Treatment

If you suspect you are dehydrated, it may be helpful to consume more fluids. However, if your symptoms persist, seeking advice from a GP is recommended. In the event of severe symptoms, it may be necessary to visit a hospital.

 

Our team at Mobi Doctor allows patients to discuss their symptoms and feelings, enabling our doctors to diagnose any underlying causes of dehydration and suggest appropriate treatment.

 

Your doctor can provide recommendations on the most suitable beverages to combat dehydration. These options may include water and fruit juices, which can help replenish your fluid and sugar levels. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can swiftly replace lost salt, sugar, and minerals if necessary.

 

It's crucial to address dehydration by replenishing lost fluids through drinking more or seeking medical help for rehydration. Ignoring it can lead to further complications.

How can you Prevent Dehydration?

Drinking water regularly during the day can help you maintain proper hydration. In situations such as hot weather, physical activity, or sickness, it is advisable to increase your water intake. This is especially crucial for babies and young children.

 

When engaging in sports or prolonged physical activity, the body may lose fluids, primarily through sweating. This can increase the chances of dehydration among those who partake in intense exercise. Thus, it is essential to ensure adequate water intake during physical activity.

How can Mobi Doctor help?

If you're experiencing symptoms of dehydration, our doctors at Mobi Doctor are available to assist you at a time that is convenient for you. They can provide you with advice, diagnosis, and treatment and refer you to a specialist if necessary for further testing or investigation. Our doctors are available every day of the week to provide you with the care you need.

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