Dehydration Treatment in Indore

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when a person loses fluids and electrolytes in excess of intake, creating an inability for the body to function normally.

Water is essential for:

Body temperature regulation

Transporting nutrients and oxygen

Waste removal

Maintaining blood pressure

Lubricating joints

Dehydration ranges from mild to severe and can occur at any age, but infants, young children, and older adults are most susceptible.

⭐ Causes of Dehydration

Causes of dehydration include:

Excessive fluid loss:

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Sweating due to fever, exercise, or heat

Increased frequency of urination, such as with diabetes or the use of diuretics

Inadequate fluid intake

Diseases like gastroenteritis and kidney diseases

Burns or injury to the skin resulting in fluid loss

Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine

⭐ Types of Dehydration

Dehydration is categorised by the type of fluid lost:

1. Isotonic dehydration

Excretion of water and electrolytes in equal quantities

Most common in children with diarrhoea

Symptoms include weakness, dry mouth, and low urine output.

2. Hypertonic dehydration

Loss of water exceeds that of electrolytes

Common in infants with inadequate water intake

Symptoms: Extreme thirst, dry skin, lethargy, confusion

3. Hypotonic dehydration

Electrolyte loss is much greater than water loss.

Most commonly caused by protracted vomiting, diarrhoea, or certain medications

Symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, low blood pressure

Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration - Mild to Moderate

Thirst

Dry mouth and lips

Dark yellow-colored urine

Fatigue or weakness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Reduced tear production

Severe Dehydration (Medical Emergency)

Very dry skin

Sunken eyes

Tachycardia-rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure

Labored breathing

Confusion or irritability

Little or no urine

Cold or clammy extremities

In infants and young children, look for:

Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head)

Dry diapers

Irritability or unusual sleepiness

⭐ Diagnosis

Dehydration is diagnosed based on:

MEDICAL HISTORY: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Fever, Fluid intake

Physical examination: skin turgor, blood pressure, pulse, and appearance of the eyes

Urine studies (colour, specific gravity)

Blood tests (electrolytes, kidney function) in moderate to severe cases

⭐ Treatment of Dehydration

Mild to Moderate Dehydration

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Balanced electrolytes and sugar

Increase water intake

Avoid excessive drinks with sugar or caffeine.

Continue regular diet as tolerated

Dehydration

Severe dehydration

Intravenous fluids in the hospital

Close monitoring of electrolytes and kidney function

Treat underlying cause: vomiting, diarrhoea, infection

⭐ Prevention

Drink enough fluids, especially in hot weather or during illness

Use ORS for children with diarrhoea

Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.

Educate caregivers regarding early warning signs in infants and the elderly.

⭐ Complications

Kidney failure

Seizures - due to electrolyte imbalance

Heat injury or heatstroke

Shock (life-threatening in severe cases)

Chronic dehydration can result in specific impairments to the heart, kidneys, and cognitive function.

⭐ Prognosis:

Mild dehydration is usually relatively quickly fixed with proper fluid intake. Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention but is treatable effectively if handled in time. Early recognition is particularly important among children, elderly people, and the sick.