You've probably heard that you need to consume at least two liters of water a day to stay hydrated. However, it's easy to underestimate your daily intake because our bodies have a natural mechanism for regulating their water reserves: thirst. However, this mechanism can sometimes be insufficient. In these cases, the risk of dehydration increases and can progress to a more serious form, known as severe dehydration .
In this article, we'll explore what severe dehydration is, the signs that can help you recognize it, and what steps you can take to prevent and treat it. Enjoy!
Dehydration: definition and stages
What is dehydration?
Dehydration results from a water deficit in the body, that is, a situation in which the body loses more fluid than it absorbs.
As the body loses water, dehydration worsens and progresses through several stages, each characterized by different symptoms.
- Mild to moderate dehydration is manifested by thirst first, followed by decreased sweating, urine production, fatigue, and a loss of skin elasticity.
- Severe dehydration manifests itself through dizziness or fainting . These new symptoms are related to the fact that at this stage, water from the cells passes into the blood to compensate for losses and maintain sufficient circulation. This is particularly the case in the brain, causing the symptoms mentioned above.
The main causes of dehydration
Dehydration is often caused by a sudden and significant decrease in the body's fluid stores without replenishment, for example during episodes of diarrhea , vomiting or profuse sweating.
Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration
What are the signs of severe dehydration?
As dehydration worsens and becomes severe, symptoms change. Blood pressure begins to decrease, which can lead to dizziness and even fainting , especially when standing. This is called orthostatic hypotension .
If dehydration worsens, it can lead to shock and severe damage to internal organs. The brain is particularly sensitive to the body's depletion of water because it needs it to maintain neurons and transport hormones throughout the body. Therefore, confusion is a hallmark symptom of severe dehydration.
However, symptoms of dehydration can vary significantly depending on the age of the person affected.
Symptoms of dehydration in infants and children
In infants and children, symptoms of dehydration may include:
- A sunken fontanelle (the soft spot at the top of a baby's head)
- Dark circles and sunken eyes
- A decrease in the amount of urine, including diapers that are not wet or barely wet
- Crying without tears and dry skin
Symptoms in adults and the elderly
In older people , the main symptoms are thirst, decreased water excreted from the body through urine and sweat, low blood pressure, apathy, confusion and malaise.
Risks and complications of severe dehydration
What are the complications of dehydration?
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to more or less serious complications such as:
- An electrolyte imbalance , especially sodium deficiency (hyponatremia) and potassium deficiency, hinders the proper functioning of the body's organs.
- A significant decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the body (hypovolemic shock)
- Acute kidney failure due to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood fluid
If dehydration continues to worsen, it can cause coma and death.
What disease causes dehydration?
Certain conditions, such as diabetes, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis, which increase water excretion can increase the risk of dehydration. Therefore, if you are in this situation, you must be particularly vigilant about hydrating yourself to compensate for losses.
What to do when faced with severe dehydration?
How to react in case of severe dehydration?
In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to act quickly. First, seek medical help as soon as possible. A doctor can administer a liquid intravenous (IV) solution containing chloride and sodium to restore electrolyte balance and promote water retention . Then, as soon as the person is able to drink, they can be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS ), which is more effective for rehydration than regular water.
How to rehydrate in case of moderate dehydration?
In cases of moderate dehydration , it is necessary to drink large quantities of water rich in electrolytes to compensate for the deficit. Consuming a hydration solution such asHydratis tablets is a very good solution because it allows on the one hand to enrich the water with electrolytes, and on the other hand to promote its absorption thanks to a scientifically tested mixture of sodium and glucose.
Diagnosis and prevention of severe dehydration
What tests are used to diagnose dehydration?
Dehydration is often diagnosed based on its symptoms. If the patient has other conditions that could interfere with the diagnosis, a blood test may be necessary.
What are the ways to prevent severe dehydration?
To prevent dehydration, the most important thing is to drink regularly and in sufficient quantities. In particular, during periods of intense heat , after intense physical exercise or in the event of an illness causing significant water excretion (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), it is important to remember to hydrate more than usual to compensate for losses.
It is also important to be careful of others, especially the elderly, children and infants who are more vulnerable.
Severe dehydration can occur in a variety of situations, but its symptoms often remain the same: dry skin and mouth, decreased sweating and urination, dizziness, confusion, and sometimes fainting. To avoid this, prevention is essential: make sure you hydrate regularly and adequately, whether with water or oral rehydration solutions. Protecting your health is, above all, about anticipating and adopting the right reflexes.
