Dehydration takes place when your body loses more fluid than you drink/receive.
MAJOR CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION
i. excessive sweating
ii. vomiting
iii. Illness
iv. fever
v. diarrhea
VI. excessive urination
COMMON SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION
i. fatigue
ii. dry mouth
iii. increased thirst
iv. decreased urination
v. less tear production
v. dry skin
vii. constipation
viii. dizziness
ix. lightheadedness
x. headache
COMPLICATIONS OF DEHYDRATION
i. heat exhaustion
ii. heat cramps
iii. heatstroke
iv. seizures due to electrolyte loss
v. low blood volume
vi. kidney failure
vii. coma
TREATMENT OF DEHYDRATION
i. rehydrating methods
ii. electrolyte replacement
iii. treating diarrhea or vomiting
PREVENTING DEHYDRATION
i. If you’re ill, increase your fluid intake, especially if you’re vomiting or having diarrhea.
ii. If you can’t keep down liquids, seek medical attention.
iii. Drink water before, at intervals, and after a workout.
iv. Dress cool in hot months.
v. Daily drink the recommended amount of fluids (Men – 3.7L, Female – 2.7L).
HOME-MADE ORAL REHYDRATING SOLUTION (ORS):
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 teaspoons sugar
1 liter water
Ensure you’re using an accurate measurement (Teaspoonful = 5ml).
Excess salt or sugar can be dangerous.
Written & Edited by:
Oluwafemi O Adekunle (Pharm.D)