Causes and risk factors:
Dehydration occurs when there is excessive loss of water from the body. Decrease water intake also leads to the same. Many conditions lead to loss of fluid from the body. The most common ones are the gastric affections like diarrhea, dysentery and vomiting. Extensive burns and diabetic keotoacidosis are the other causation of dehydration. Decrease fluid intake in affections of the throat like pharyngitis, tonsillitis is other predisposing factors. Malnutrition and infectious diseases are the most prevailing causes of dehydration. Excessive perspiration and hot climate are the common environmental predisposing factors of dehydration.
Clinical presentations:
Dryness of mucus membrane, dry skin and dull dry appearance of the patient is the characteristic feature of dehydration. The patient complains of dryness of mouth and skin and increased thirst. Patient experiences weakness and sluggishness. The urine output is decreased or the patient passes dark color urine. Patient lacks strength to do any kind of activity. Dizziness and palpitation are the other associated symptoms. The manifestations at the level of the mind are confusion and dullness. Drowsiness manifests. Fainting spells can also be seen. Dehydration accompanied by high fever can lead to seizures. Severe dehydration often leads to dehydration shock or collapse like condition.
Diagnosis and investigations:
The symptoms narrated by the attendant, the appearance of the patient along with assessment of the vital signs aid the doctor to come up to the diagnosis. A routine blood test, Electrolyte profile and urine analysis are mandatory investigations.
Treatment:
Maintenance of hydration i.e. fluid replacement and electrolyte balance is the foremost step of treatment. Oral hydration therapy should be started. In severe cases hospitalization is required and intravenous administration of fluids is initiated .In cases where dehydration is due to certain underlying pathology, treatment of the underlying pathology is necessary. Adequate food intake to maintain the nutrient levels are necessary.
