September 2003
Dehydration: A Real Problem
Recent news coverage of the thousands who died in France due to heat exhaustion and dehydration was most disturbing to hear, especially since the majority of those who perished were elderly. While we in America are blessed with air conditioning and respite areas from the heat, dehydration is a possibility and a real threat to the very young and the elderly.
Our body weight is composed of sixty percent water. Cell composition is ninety percent water and fluid, electrolytes. We must keep this balance maintained in order for our body to function at optimum level. Lack of fluid intake or extraordinary fluid output will quickly throw the body into a state of fluid imbalance. When the body does not have sufficient fluid to stay in balance, dehydration exists. Extreme high temperatures or prolonged exposure to high temperatures cause excessive sweating and increased body temperatures which consume body fluids. If these fluids are not replaced, dehydration begins. Dehydration is classified at three levels or states:
1. MILD--- a loss of 3-5% of body weight.
2. MODERATE—a loss of 6-10 % body weight.
3. SEVERE—a loss of more than 10-15% body weight.
Thirst is the first and best indicator that dehydration is near. The body is so designed to warn us of intent to malfunction. We must learn to pay attention to the warnings. Progressively other symptoms include: dizziness, feeling “light-headed”, dry mouth and nose, decreased urine output, lack of elasticity of the skin, deep and rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, delayed capillary filling, sunken eyes, lethargy, coma. Un treated severe dehydration can result in seizures, permanent brain damage or death.
In early stages the treatment is simple—drink water, replace lost fluid and restore balance. Small increments of water over a period of time help to avoid nausea and more loss with vomiting. Do not try to restore fluid loss with soft drinks or tea—caffeine is a diuretic. It will cause more fluid loss. Water is best. Should the moderate or severe state of dehydration be reached and one becomes faint or looses consciousness, a physician must be contacted. Hospitalization—ER –is then required to administer intravenous fluids in order to restore fluid balance.
Dehydration is a very real problem, but if recognized and treated promptly and properly it does not have to become dangerous.
For best precautions, stay cool and drink plenty of water. Do outside activities early in the morning or late in the evening avoiding the peak heat of the day. Learn these signs of impending trouble and be quick to take action to stop the problem before it begins.