Signs you’re dehydrated

IN order to fuel its daily functions, the body requires both solid food and fluids – from maintaining a balance of minerals to eliminating toxic chemicals that pose a potential risk to its optimal performance. And since more people will become dehydrated as the temperatures rise, internist Dr Jomo James points to a number of changes in the body that are sure giveaways .

“Dehydration is a process that occurs when your body loses water at a rate faster than how you can replace it. This leads to a chemical imbalance within your body, the consequences of which can be detrimental depending on the severity, as your cells cannot carry out their normal functions. The body on a whole tries to keep unchanged its fluid and electrolytes composition, usually at a level that provides optimal health and function. It tries to resist at its best any changes in water in particular,” Dr James explained.

He points out that the body gets water mainly by way of our daily water intake, loses most of its water through urination, but also through the skin via sweating, and from bowel movements.

Dehydration in the body can be measured as mild, moderate or severe. In the case of mild to moderate dehydration, the following symptoms may be noticed:

• Dry, sticky mouth

• Thirst

• Lightheadedness

• Decreased urine

• Bad breath

• Few tears

• Dry skin.

“You can treat mild to moderate dehydration at home by drinking replacement fluids such as coconut water, Gatorade, and for children – Pedialyte and rehydration salts. However, if there’s severe dehydration, or if losses are ongoing more than what can be replaced – for instance, not keeping down fluids, you should seek medical attention,” Dr James advised.

The doctor, having made his or her assessment, may order blood tests to further establish the severity, and if there are any electrolyte imbalances that need to be corrected. This is usually treated with replacement fluids by an intravenous route or a “drip” as well as treating the underlying cause.

In the case of severe dehydration, however, Dr James said that this is a medical emergency and if not treated promptly, can lead to death. Severe dehydration is characterised by:

• Extreme thirst

• No urine or not passing urine as regularly as before, or urine becomes darker than normal.

• Blackouts

• Rapid heartbeat

• Low blood pressure

• No tears

• Dry skin

• Skin does not go down quickly when pinched (especially in children)

• In infants sunken fontanelle (the soft spot at the top of the baby’s head)

• Very dry mouth

• Confusion.

Dr James underscored that a number of life-threatening complications may arise as a result of severe dehydration, including coma and death, seizures and brain swelling, kidney failure and circulatory collapse as well as multiple organ failure.

He said that while just about anyone can become dehydrated, certain groups of people – including young children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses – are more vulnerable. To prevent against this, he recommends that you try to drink adequate amounts of water during the day, at least six to eight glasses of water for the average adult. This intake will be less if heart failure or kidney failure has been established or you may be required to drink more in special circumstances, such as when you are exercising, have certain illnesses such as diarrhoea, and when it’s very hot.