Definition of Dehydration
Dehydration: Excessive loss of body water. Diseases of the
gastrointestinal tract that cause vomiting or diarrhea may, for
example, lead to dehydration. There are a number of other causes of
dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise (e.g.,
in a marathon), kidney disease, and medications (diuretics).
One clue to dehydration is a rapid drop in weight. A loss of over
10% (15 pounds in a person weighing 150 pounds) is considered severe.
Symptoms and signs of dehydration include increasing thirst, dry
mouth, weakness or lightheadedness (particularly if worse on
standing), and a darkening of the urine or a decrease in urination.
Severe dehydration can lead to changes in the body's
chemistry, kidney failure, and become life-threatening.
Dehydration due to diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity
(disease) and mortality (death) in children. The young child has a
more rapid turnover of body fluids than an adult. In rehydrating a
child, there is less margin for error than for an adult. The younger
the child, the more careful the rehydration must be. Cases that
demand particular attention to detail are those in which organ
function (especially skin, heart, brain, or kidney) is critically
compromised. Overhydration may be as serious as severe dehydration in
children; the rehydration should therefore be done under medical
supervision.
The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
If one suspects fluid loss is excessive, notify a physician.
Intravenous or oral fluid replacement may be needed.
Last Editorial Review: 2/5/2001Common Misspellings: deshidratation
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