You've probably heard that you need to drink 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 to regulate water reserves: thirst. But sometimes, this mechanism can be insufficient. In such cases, the risk of dehydration increases and can evolve into a more severe form, known as severe dehydration.
In this article, we will explore what severe dehydration is, the signs to recognize it, and the measures to take to prevent and treat it. Happy reading!
Dehydration: Definition and Stages
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration results from a water deficit in the body, meaning a situation where the body loses more fluids than it absorbs.
As the body loses water, dehydration worsens and progresses through several stages, each characterized by different symptoms.
- Mild to moderate dehydration first manifests as thirst, then by decreased sweating, urine production, fatigue, and loss of skin elasticity.
- Severe dehydration, on the other hand, manifests as 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 notably the case in the brain, causing the symptoms mentioned above.
The main causes of dehydration
Dehydration is often caused by a significant and sudden decrease in the body's fluid stores without replenishment, for example, during episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, or heavy sweating.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
What are the signs of severe dehydration?
When dehydration worsens and becomes severe, the symptoms change. Blood pressure begins to decrease, which can lead to dizziness or even fainting, especially when standing. This is called orthostatic hypotension.
If dehydration worsens further, it can lead to shock and severe damage to internal organs. The brain is particularly sensitive to the decrease in the body's water supply because it needs it for neuron maintenance and hormone transport throughout the body. Thus, confusion is a characteristic symptom of severe dehydration.
However, symptoms of dehydration can vary significantly depending on the age of the affected person.
Symptoms of dehydration in infants and children
In infants and children, symptoms of dehydration can include:
- A sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby's head)
- Sunken, dark-rimmed eyes
- Decreased urine output, with few or no wet diapers
- Crying without tears and dry skin
Symptoms in adults and the elderly
In elderly people, the main symptoms are thirst, decreased water excretion from the body via urine and sweat, a drop in 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 various complications, from mild to severe, such as:
- Electrolyte imbalance, particularly a lack of sodium (hyponatremia) and a lack of potassium, hindering the proper functioning of the body's organs.
- A significant decrease in circulating blood volume in the body (hypovolemic shock)
- Acute kidney failure due to decreased circulating blood fluid volume
If dehydration continues to worsen, it can cause coma and death.
What illness causes dehydration?
Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis, which increase water excretion, can heighten the risk of dehydration. Therefore, it is important to be particularly vigilant in these cases and to hydrate well to compensate for losses.
What to do in case of severe dehydration?
How to react in case of severe dehydration?
In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to react quickly. First, a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible. The doctor can administer an intravenous (IV) liquid solution containing chloride and sodium to restore the electrolyte balance and promote water retention. Then, as soon as the person is able to drink, an oral rehydration solution (ORS) can be given, which is more effective for rehydration than plain water.
How to rehydrate in case of moderate dehydration?
In case of moderate dehydration, it is necessary to drink large quantities of electrolyte-rich water to compensate for the deficit. Consuming a hydration solution such as Hydratis tablets is a very good solution as it enriches water with electrolytes and promotes 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 may interfere with the diagnosis, a blood test may be necessary.
What are the prevention methods against severe dehydration?
To prevent dehydration, it is essential to drink regularly and in sufficient quantities. Particularly, during heatwaves, after intense physical exercise, or in case of illness leading to significant water excretion (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), remember to hydrate more than usual to compensate for losses.
Attention should also be paid to others, especially the elderly, children, and infants who are more vulnerable.
Severe dehydration can occur in various situations, but its symptoms often remain the same: dry skin and mouth, decreased sweating and urine, dizziness, confusion, and sometimes fainting. To avoid this, prevention is essential: make sure to hydrate regularly and sufficiently, whether with water or oral rehydration solutions. Protecting your health means anticipating and adopting the right habits.
en/en/
