Many people are affected each year. Most often resulting from a viral or bacterial infection, gastroenteritis disrupts the delicate balance of the digestive system, leading to a range of unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting , diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In cases of gastroenteritis, the rapid and frequent loss of bodily fluids can quickly exceed the body's ability to replenish them through regular fluid intake. This is especially true if appetite is reduced, which is common when suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the body's ability to efficiently absorb fluids can be compromised during this illness, making fluid replenishment even more difficult. Therefore, drinking water, and thus rehydrating, is essential to providing the body with sufficient water, both during and after these episodes.
Identifying dehydration: symptoms and warning signs
What is dehydration?
Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids and electrolytes than it takes in. This is a particularly concerning phenomenon during gastroenteritis. This digestive illness, often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea , significantly accelerates the loss of bodily fluids. These symptoms lead not only to water loss but also to a significant decrease in essential electrolytes such as sodium , potassium , and chloride , which play a fundamental role in maintaining normal bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
In this context, it becomes imperative to quickly recognize the signs of dehydration to avoid potential complications. complications. This is especially important in vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases, in whom the effects of dehydration can be faster and more severe.
How to recognize dehydration?
Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for to identify and prevent dehydration:
Dry mouth and tongue: This is an early and significant indicator of dehydration, particularly in cases of gastroenteritis. This condition occurs when the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue lose their natural moisture and become noticeably dry and sticky. This unpleasant sensation is often accompanied by a decrease in saliva, making both swallowing and speaking difficult.
Reduced urinary frequency and dark urine: Normally, a healthy adult should urinate about six to eight times a day, but this frequency can decrease significantly when the body is dehydrated. This decreased urinary frequency is a clear indicator that the body is trying to conserve its available water, thus limiting the amount of urine produced. When the body is dehydrated , urine may take on a noticeably darker hue, ranging from dark yellow to amber. This coloration is due to a higher concentration of waste products and chemicals like urea, which the kidneys filter from the blood. When the body is well-hydrated, these waste products are diluted in a larger amount of fluid, resulting in clearer urine.
Unusual fatigue and lethargy: When the body lacks fluids, every cell and organ is affected, which can lead to feelings of extreme tiredness, lack of energy, and general weakness. Dehydration affects blood circulation and can reduce the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the muscles and brain . This can result in muscle weakness and decreased endurance, making physical activity more difficult.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: When the body loses a significant amount of fluid, blood volume can decrease, reducing the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. This drop in blood pressure can lead to an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
Our hydration tips during gastroenteritis
Drink liquids in small quantities
It can be difficult to consume large quantities of liquids all at once. Opt for drinking water in small, regular sips instead of gulping down large volumes of water or other liquids at once. This allows for a gentle reintroduction of fluids into the body without risking worsening symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Clear soups, vegetable broths, and herbal teas can help! Hydratis solutions are also available, which contribute to rehydration while providing essential electrolytes that can be lost during gastroenteritis. Water-rich fruits, such as watermelon or peaches, can also be sources of hydration while being gentle on the digestive system .
Use of Hydratis rehydration solutions
Hydratis is a hydration solution specifically designed to meet the needs of people suffering from fluid and electrolyte imbalances , as is often the case with gastroenteritis. These carefully formulated solutions offer a rich and optimal blend of salts, sugars, and minerals, ensuring rapid and efficient water absorption. This allows for quick hydration without overloading or further irritating the digestive system. Our products are formulated to provide a precise balance between hydration and flavor, making them more pleasant to consume while effectively revitalizing the body! For best results, we recommend placing one tablet in 250ml of water and sipping small amounts regularly throughout the day as needed (e.g., every 2-3 hours).
Avoid certain drinks
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and some sodas, as well as carbonated drinks and very sweet fruit juices, can often worsen the symptoms of diarrhea and, consequently, exacerbate dehydration.
Prevention and daily hydration
Preventing dehydration is a significant health concern that extends far beyond managing illness. Adequate daily hydration plays a fundamental role in maintaining optimal health and contributes to numerous aspects of physical and mental well-being. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to a variety of health problems, ranging from fatigue and difficulty concentrating to more serious issues such as kidney stones or hypotension . If you experience signs of severe dehydration or if symptoms persist, medical consultation is essential!
To effectively manage a bout of gastroenteritis, remain vigilant for signs of dehydration and ensure you follow appropriate hydration strategies. Following these fluid losses, we strongly recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day , and not just in response to thirst, which is often a late sign of dehydration! Our hydration solutions are designed to help maintain optimal fluid balance , especially for active individuals or those living in hot climates where fluid loss can be accelerated. Visit us at your local pharmacy or on our website hydratis.co , and don't forget to stay hydrated!
Bibliography
National Library of Medicine. June 12, 2023. “Viral Gastroenteritis” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518995/
Ameli. October 27, 2023. "Gastroenteritis in adults: what to do?" - https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/gastro-enterite-adulte/bons-reflexes-que-faire
Ameli. December 6, 2023. "Dehydration" - https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/urgence/pathologies/deshydratation
National Library of Medicine. October 3, 2022. “Adult Dehydration” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
ScienceDirect. September 21, 2023. “Emergency department assessment and management of children with gastroenteritis” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588994X23000696?via%3Dihub
