Water is essential to the body. Two thirds of a human being's body weight is made up of water and it is this that allows chemical reactions to occur within the cells and the blood to carry nutrients around the body. Fluids enter the body in the form of both food and drink and without the correct levels of hydration, it will struggle to function properly.
How the Body Becomes Dehydrated
The body enters a state of dehydration if it loses too much fluid. Fluids are lost during normal bodily functions such as urinating and sweating. A small amount of fluid is lost through evaporation with every breath that is taken.
Not taking on enough fluids, hot weather, exercise and drinking too much alcohol can cause the body to become dehydrated as can illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea or medical conditions such as diabetes.
Signs That the Body is Lacking in Fluid
The first and most easily recognisable sign of dehydration is thirst. If the body is thirsty, it is sending out the message that it needs more fluids. The National Health Service advises people to look out for other signs such as dark coloured urine or the passing of small amounts of urine, headaches, tiredness and a dry mouth, lips or eyes. They say that some or all of these symptoms become apparent when there is a one percent or more reduction in body weight due to fluid loss.
The Food Standards Agency advise people to look out for signs of irritability, confusion and a lack of concentration.
Spotting Dehydration in Babies
Babies do not always show signs in the same way as adults and older children. Anyone worried about a baby should look out for a sunken soft spot on the head, few or no tears when they cry, a dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, drowsiness and faster breathing than normal.
The Three Levels of Dehydration
There are three levels of dehydration: mild, moderate and severe. The NHS states that a mild case occurs if there is a one to three percent reduction in body weight due to fluid loss. In mild cases, the symptoms mentioned above may become apparent and the sufferer should take on fluids in order to treat their dehydrated state and prevent the condition worsening.
Moderate cases develop if there is a three to five percent reduction in body weight due to fluid loss. The sufferer will begin to lose their strength and stamina. If a person suffers moderate dehydration on a long term basis, they should consult with their doctor as it could affect kidney function and cause the development of kidney stones. Damage may also take place in the liver, muscles and joints and the sufferer may struggle with constipation and cholesterol problems.
Severe cases occur when there is a reduction in body weight due to fluid loss of five percent or more. The symptoms include severe thirst, dry and wrinkled skin, an inability to urinate, irritability, sunken eyes, low blood pressure, weak pulse, rapid heart beat, cool hands and feet, seizures and a low level of consciousness. It is vital that anyone suffering severe dehydration receives urgent medical attention as a reduction in body weight by 10 percent can cause the blood to stop circulating, which can be fatal. For severe cases, hospital treatment is required and a drip can help rehydrate the body.
Individuals are advised to contact their doctor if they are feeling unwell.
References:
Nhs.uk
Food.gov.uk
Dehydration.co.uk
Nacc.org.uk
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