Dehydration is a condition when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, so the balance of sugar and salt is disturbed, resulting in the body not being able to function normally.
The water content in a healthy human body is more than 60% of the total body weight. The ideal water content in the body functions to help the digestive system work, remove dirt and toxins from the body, as a lubricant and cushion for joints, moisturize the tissues in the ears, throat, and nose, as well as as a medium for transporting nutrients to cells. body cells and keep the skin healthy.
Severe or prolonged and untreated dehydration can often lead to a condition called hypovolemia.
Dehydration is sometimes thought of as a condition of the body that does not need to be taken seriously, and most children and teens consider it normal thirst. However, if the initial symptoms of dehydration are not treated properly, it can interfere with body functions. Some of the early signs of dehydration are:
- Feeling thirsty and dizzy.
- Dry mouth and skin.
- Fatigue.
- Infrequent urination.
- Urine is darker in color and has a stronger smell.
If dehydration occurs in babies, early symptoms that can be noticed are the baby's crown will be sunken, do not shed tears when crying, diapers remain dry after a few hours, are less active, fussy, and easily sleepy.
One condition that puts you at risk for dehydration is diarrhea or loose stools, especially if this occurs in infants and children. Dehydration can also be linked to weather, physical activity or exercise, and diet. In addition to diarrhea, dehydration is also at risk for vomiting and excessive sweating, for example when you have a fever or exercising in hot weather.
If you feel dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids. You can drink water, mineral water, infused water, or diluted fruit juice. You can also eat a variety of food choices to treat dehydration. But if you are dehydrated due to diarrhea, fruit juices and milk should be avoided. Try to avoid drinks containing caffeine and fizzy drinks. To meet the needs of fluids and electrolytes, you can consume isotonic drinks or electrolyte drinks. In severely dehydrated patients who have difficulty eating and drinking or are in a coma, intravenous or parenteral fluid administration will usually be necessary.
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to seizures, brain damage, and even death.