DEHYDRATION
Dehydration means loss of fluids. Water Hot weather can cause overheating and
accounts for about 60% of a man’s weight and dehydration. Wear lightweight clothing that
50% of a woman’s weight and it needs to be ‘breathes,’ meaning air can easily pass
kept up to this percentage in order to maintain through the fabric. Wear a hat outside in the
healthy body tissue. Because total body water sun. Stay indoors in the middle of the day
decreases with age and the feeling of thirst when the temperatures are usually the
diminishes, older people are more likely to highest. Carry a bottle of water with you
develop dehydration. and take frequent sips.
The possible complications of dehydration are: Infants and babies can easily become
very low blood pressure, shock and death from dehydrated from: diarrhea and vomiting,
prolonged, severe dehydration. Dehydration being in a hot car, being out in the sun
can require medical attention-particularly in without protection.
infants and the elderly. Call the doctor if you
are not sure.
TREATMENT FOR DEHYDRATION:
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION: For minor dehydration, take frequent small
Dry mouth and tongue. amounts of clear liquids or electrolytes
Decreased or no urination. (such as diluted Gatorade). Large amounts
Sunken eyes. of liquid may induce vomiting.
Pale, cool and clammy skin. For severe dehydration, hospitalization for
Dizziness, restlessness, confusion or coma. intravenous fluids administration.
Low blood pressure.
Severe thirst. In case of vomiting or diarrhea, keep a
Weak and rapid heart rate associated with record of the number of episodes so one
blood pressure drop, shallow and hurried can estimate the fluid loss.
breathing.
A newborn or infant may not move or Call the pediatrician immediately if a
respond. newborn or small child develops vomiting
and/or diarrhea. This can be an emergency.
CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION:
Inadequate fluid intake: older people with
decreased sense of thirst, swallowing
Copyright 1999 Education Department of Chinese Hospital,
difficulties, inability to talk or understand, Revised 1/2010
mobility problems, and difficulty thinking
clearly may not be getting enough fluids.
Excessive fluid loss: Severe vomiting or
diarrhea from any cause, constant high
fever, heavy sweating, or taking drugs that
causes loss of fluids and electrolytes- such
as diuretics (water pills).
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