Original Editors - Jordan Dellamano Daniel McCoy from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project. Show
Top Contributors - Lydia Marie Coots, Jordan Dellamano, Daniel McCoy, Courtney Campbell, Elaine Lonnemann, Kim Jackson, Vidya Acharya, Lucinda hampton, Scott Buxton, Admin, Rachael Lowe, Tony Lowe, Wendy Walker and WikiSysop Introduction[edit | edit source]Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This condition can result from illness; a hot,dry climate; prolonged exposure to sun or high temperatures; not drinking enough water; and overuse of diuretics or other medications that increase urination. Dehydration can upset the delicate fluid-salt balance needed to maintain healthy cells and tissues.
There are three main types of dehydration: hypotonic (primarily a loss of electrolytes), hypertonic (primarily loss of water), and isotonic (equal loss of water and electrolytes). The most commonly seen in humans is isotonic. [2] Etiology[edit | edit source]Body water is lost through the skin, lungs, kidneys, and GI tract. The loss of body water without sodium causes dehydration.
There are several forms of dehydration.
The source of water loss relates to the etiologies of dehydration:
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]Increased thirst, dry mouth, light-headedness, fatigue, impaired mental focus, low urine output, dry skin, inability to produce tears, sunken eyes are the signs of dehydration. [5]
When to seek medical attention[edit | edit source]
Diagnostic Tests[edit | edit source]Both physical and mental exams help to diagnose dehydration.
Complications[edit | edit source]If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:
Differential Diagnosis [edit | edit source]
Treatment[edit | edit source]Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, clear broths, frozen water or ice pops, or sports drinks (such as Gatorade). Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas. Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication. This may include medication available to purchase over-the-counter or online, such as anti-diarrhea medicines, anti-emetics, and anti-fever medicines.[2] Physical Therapy Management & Prevention [edit | edit source]There is no direct physical therapy intervention for dehydration in the severe category; however, prevention and fluid replacement orally is something physical therapists can influence through patient education. Patients should be educated about the signs and symptoms of dehydration in order to know when they may need to seek help. This is done by proper knowledge of hydration[10]. Environmental Factors[10][edit | edit source]Heat [11]
Cold [12]
Hydration and Exercise Before exercise: Drink 12-20oz of fluid 2 hours leading up to exercise During Exercise:
Avoid caffeine or alcohol in beverages due to their diuretic effects Avoid hyponatremia which can occur by drinking too much fluid. therefore, diluting sodium Monitor dehydration with changes in body weight and urine color. Each pound lost during exercise, drink 15-16oz of fluid [13] Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Which refers to excessive loss of water from the body usually through perspiration or sweating urination and evaporation?Dehydration takes place when your body loses more fluid than you drink. Common causes include: excessive sweating. vomiting.
What is excessive loss of water called?The excessive loss of water from the body is called dehydration.
What is dehydrated?Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.
How does the body lose water by sweating?Sweat and dehydration. When you exercise, your body sweats as it tries to return to its optimal temperature. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it removes heat from the body, but you also lose body fluid. You need to drink fluid during exercise to replace the fluids you lose when you sweat.
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