Severe dehydration occurs when you lose more fluids than you take in. This condition is generally characterized by feeling very thirsty and feeling weak. Severe dehydration is not a condition to be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious health problems.
In general, water has a very important role for the body, namely to facilitate digestion, remove waste and toxins, moisten the eyes and joints, and maintain healthy skin. Therefore, if the body lacks a lot of fluids and is severely dehydrated, the organs of the body will not function properly.
Severe dehydration can be experienced by anyone, especially people who drink less water than the amount of fluid needed by the body. Everyone's fluid needs are different, depending on age, environment, and activities.
Apart from rarely drinking, severe dehydration can also be caused by several things, including diarrhea, diabetes, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and sweating a lot, either due to fever, exercise, or working in hot weather.
Recognizing Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration is generally characterized by a feeling of extreme thirst. However, thirst can not always be used as a benchmark. For example, elderly people (elderly) usually do not feel thirsty even though their bodies are dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms of severe dehydration, such as:
- Dizzy and dazed
- The body feels weak, tired, and wants to pass out
- Infrequent urination and dark urine
- Headache
- Skin looks dry
Dehydration in infants and children may have different symptoms. Some of the symptoms of a dehydrated baby or child, including dry mouth and tongue, crying without tears, not having a wet diaper for more than 3 hours, looking lethargic, or always fussy.
In addition, the baby's eyes and cheeks and the crown of a child who are dehydrated will look sunken. He also appears to have no appetite or drink.
Threatening Risks Due to Severe Dehydration
When you are mildly dehydrated, you can simply consume drinking water or do water therapy so that the fluid needs in the body can be met. However, if the dehydration you experience is severe dehydration, you may need to get special treatment in the hospital. Your doctor may give you fluids through an IV.
If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to a number of serious health conditions and problems, such as:
1. Seizures
When electrolyte levels in the body are not balanced, muscle contractions can occur and the body can experience convulsions. In fact, it is possible that the sufferer will also lose consciousness.
2. Injuries due to hot weather
This condition occurs because the body sweats a lot due to strenuous activities, but is not accompanied by adequate fluid intake. Symptoms vary, ranging from mild seizures due to hot air to heatstroke.
3. Kidney disorders
Dehydration that occurs repeatedly, prolonged, and left without a doctor's treatment, can cause kidney stones, urinary tract infections, to kidney failure.
4. Hypovolemic shock
This condition occurs when blood pressure and oxygen levels in the body decrease due to insufficient blood volume. This condition is very dangerous because it can be life threatening.
Always meet the body's fluid needs by consuming plenty of drinking water during and after activities or at least 8 glasses per day. If necessary, always consume drinking water when doing strenuous activities in open spaces.
If you already feel symptoms of severe dehydration, immediately drink enough water and immediately see a doctor for treatment. The sooner it is treated, the less likely it is that complications will occur.