The human body basically consists of liquid, therefore it is very important for the normal functioning of all vital systems to maintain its level at the proper level.
What is dehydration of the body?
Dehydration is the reduction of fluid in the human body below the physiological norm. As a result of the loss of water, a person suffers from a lack of water, which is why the water-salt balance is violated. This is the balance between the aqueous medium and the minerals, which leads to a thickening of the blood and an increase in the concentration of cellular elements. How to determine dehydration, what are its symptoms and how to avoid it - the answers to these questions will be discussed below.
Degrees of dehydration of the body
There are several degrees of dehydration, it is:
- Light form. When about 6% of the total amount of fluid in the body is lost is about 1-2 liters.
- Average dehydration. This decrease in fluid from 6 to 10%, that is, its loss from 2 to 4 liters
- Severe dehydration. In this case, more than 4 liters of liquid is lost, that is more than 10%.
- Acute dehydration. The loss of more than 10 liters of liquid is dangerous for human life. This condition can lead to coma or fatal outcome. As the dehydration of the human body, that is, the degree of dehydration, can only be determined by a specialist, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor for advice and treatment.
Depending on the salt balance, several types of dehydration are distinguished:
- Isotonic when the salt composition of the blood is normal.
- Hypertensive when the concentration of salt in the blood is increased.
- Hypotonic when the amount of salt is lowered.
How does fluid loss affect a person's body from within?
Before determining the dehydration in a child or adult, it is necessary to understand how it acts inside the body. The fluid is contained not only in all cells of the human body, but also beyond. In the medium there are mineral salts: sodium and potassium( electrolytes), which are necessary for carrying out important body processes. When water is removed from cells and tissues, then, respectively, the number of electrolytes decreases, the cells literally "dry out."All this leads to the failure of all working systems of the body and subsequently to serious diseases.
When does dehydration occur?
If the lack of water in the body leads to serious human diseases, then, in turn, fluid saturation is a great way to maintain health. How to determine dehydration, what signs of this negative process exist?
- With abundant vomiting and diarrhea.
- with intestinal obstruction.
- With peritonitis.
- For large burns.
- With pancreatitis.
- When sweating profusely.
- With increased urinary excretion.
- At high temperature, etc.
Dehydration or loss of body fluid can occur with extreme heat, when a person sweats heavily, with physical exertion or heavy work, with alcohol abuse, with certain diseases, for example, diabetes, etc.
How to understand,does the body get enough fluid?
Dehydration of the body can manifest atypical signs, for example, chronic fatigue and a constant sense of hunger. These symptoms are associated with a large accumulation of harmful substances in the body, the withdrawal of which requires a fluid that the body receives less. Also, atypical attributes include slagging. Because of the lack of fluid in the cells, sodium is retained, which contributes to clogging. A large number of toxins causes headaches, fetid perspiration, constipation. Appears unhealthy complexion.
What symptoms will help to understand if the body needs a liquid, is how to determine it? Dehydration involves the following symptoms:
- Dry mouth and constant desire to drink. The amount of water drunk by a person must correspond to its load. Sometimes thirst quenches very quickly, and it happens that you have to drink more liquid so that the dryness disappears.
- Weakness, constant yawning. This symptom is felt when the human body lacks the necessary substances for normal functioning. Water is also part of the required components. To feel good, a person should eat well, that is, and drink, and eat in moderation.
- Loss of appetite. During dehydration, you do not want to eat. But the causes of loss of appetite can also affect some diseases - stress, etc.
- Increase in body temperature, which must be reduced in various ways.
In addition to the above symptoms, with dehydration of the body may be dizziness, tachycardia or chills. Also it can lead to such serious troubles as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fever. With a strong loss of water, the body can begin nausea and vomiting, convulsions and tingling in the hands and feet. With these symptoms, you need to call a doctor. To restore the body, the doctor will most likely use intravenous droppers with saline. This treatment should be carried out in the hospital, at home these patients do not leave.
Dehydration of the body in infants
Children are more prone to dehydration than adults. How to determine dehydration in infants? The main signs and symptoms:
- The baby's diaper stays dry for more than 6 hours.
- Urine looks darker and has a specific odor.
- Dry lips and mouth of an infant.
- Lethargy.
- No tears when crying.
Not everyone knows the symptoms of a strong water loss how to determine? Dehydration in the 3rd degree baby manifests itself as follows:
- Collapsed eyes.
- Coldness of handles and legs.
- Marble leather. Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Excessive fussiness or, conversely, drowsiness.
What if the baby is dehydrated?
In children, dehydration occurs very quickly. Therefore, if any serious symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately seek medical attention for help, since it is only the doctor who can determine whether the child is dehydrated or is another disease. It may be necessary to inject the fluid intravenously, until the necessary balance of water in the body is achieved.
Dehydration in children with diarrhea
Very often, the cause of dehydration of the body in children can become diarrhea and vomiting. This occurs when poisoning or various pathologies. Sometimes taking medications sometimes intensifies this problem. The loss of fluid and, correspondingly, the weight of the child occurs very quickly. Therefore, you need to immediately identify the causes of these symptoms and take measures to eliminate them.
Because only a doctor can determine dehydration in a child with diarrhea, you should immediately contact him for help. Severe dehydration with diarrhea can lead to serious consequences, for example - kidney failure.
There are rules that should be observed. A child under 6 months of age should consume about 1 liter of water per day. These are juices, tea, breast milk, as well as liquid that is present in fruits, berries or other food. When a child has diarrhea and vomiting, his small body can quickly remain without it. After all, a lot of liquid comes out with feces. And if the child still has a fever, then this does aggravate the situation. Doctors advise giving the child more to drink, worse it just will not.
To dehydration of the child's body did not come too quickly, it is necessary to give the baby 1-2 teaspoons of water every 10 minutes. This will compensate for the loss of fluid and will not provoke repeated vomiting. Nursing women need more often during this period to put the baby to the breast.
How to prevent dehydration of the child's body?
It must be ensured that the child uses a sufficient amount of fluid, especially when he is sick. This will be a serious obstacle to loss, since it will not be possible to determine dehydration of the body immediately. It is necessary to give the baby more water. If he likes different juices, then you need to dilute them with water. At all, do not offer your baby fizzy drinks, there's no benefit to them, and they also have a detrimental effect on your teeth.
When a child is sick, soft drinks will help ease his condition. But citrus, orange and grapefruit juices should be avoided, since these drinks can cause itching and burning of the mouth of the baby.
Features of dehydration in animals. Comparison of symptoms with human disease
Cats are living beings, and malfunctions in the body can occur for various reasons. Dehydration of the body in animals can occur for the same reasons as in humans. They can get sick or overheat. How to determine dehydration in a cat, what are the symptoms of this condition? A classic sign of dehydration is loss of skin elasticity. If you take the cat by the withers and gently pull it, then after its lowering it will quickly take its original position. And when the cat's skin is dehydrated, the skin takes an initial look for a long time. If the stretched area remains in the same position, then the animal has a severe degree of dehydration, it should be urgently shown to the vet. Other symptoms of dehydration in a cat:
- Dryness and stickiness of the gums.
- Lethargy, apathy.
- Refusal of food.
Causes of dehydration in cats:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Injury.
- Overheating.
- Various diseases.
Before you determine the dehydration of a cat or cat, you need to contact the veterinarian. He will definitely say whether it is so or not, and will prescribe the necessary treatment. In adult mammals, for example, in dogs, the liquid is about 65% of the total body weight. Animals deprived of water die in a very short time. A well-fed dog can withstand starvation with water long enough, but without it it will not last 10 days. Loss of 10% of the fluid in animals causes severe pathological consequences, and the loss of water in the body above this figure entails death.
Before determining dehydration in a dog, it is important to understand how the liquid enters its body. Water enters the body of a dog or cat with food and drink, and then absorbed by the intestines in an unchanged form. The need for a liquid varies depending on the composition of the feed, the physiological state of the animal, the weather conditions and the habitat. For example, when feeding a dog or cat with dry food, increased physical activity and hot weather, the need for water increases several times.
Animals have several degrees of dehydration, at home it is difficult to determine the stage of dehydration yourself. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the dog constantly. Signs of fluid loss:
- Lethargy, bad mood.
- Decrease or total absence of appetite.
- Vomiting or loose stools.
- Increased temperature, etc.
To avoid dehydration of the body, everyone needs a copious drink, this applies to both humans and animals. But not only this will help to cope with the problem. Often ventilate rooms, eat healthy food and clean water, wear clothes made of natural materials, etc.