Dehydration is the condition that results from excessive loss of water from the body. The body requires a certain amount of water and other elements, called electrolytes, to function properly. Fluids are lost through sweat, urine, bowel movements, and breathing. Drinking and eating both help to replace fluids, especially drinking. When the body loses too much water and it is not replaced, dehydration sets in.
Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake. Factors that contribute to dehydration include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Symptoms vary depending on the degree of dehydration. Dehydration can be extremely serious and life threatening and may require immediate medical care.
Symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This will probably include measuring your vital signs. To help provide information for the doctor, keep a diary of:
Tests may include:
Therapy aims to rehydrate the body, replace lost electrolytes, and prevent complications. If an underlying cause is identified, therapies to treat that condition may be included if appropriate.
Treatment includes:
To help replace fluids:
Dietary modifications include:
Medications may include:
If you are diagnosed with dehydration, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Alberta Health and Wellness
http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/
References:
American Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.ama-assn.org/ .
Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Keeping dehydrated patients out of the hospital. Patient Care . Feb 1999.
Kleigman RM, Jensen HB, Behrman RE, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
The Physicians' Desk Reference. The PDR Family Guide Encyclopedia of Medical Care.
Practice of Geriatrics . 3rd ed. WB Saunders Company; 1998.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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