All you need to know- Dehydration

Your body naturally loses water through sweating and urination. When your body loses more fluid than you drink, you become dehydrated. Anyone may become dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults. Dehydration also can occur in any age group if you don't drink enough water during hot weather — especially if you are exercising vigorously. 

Symptoms of dehydration
The symptoms of dehydration are different in children and in adults. 

Infant or young child 
*Dry mouth and tongue 
*No tears when crying 
*No wet diapers for three hours 
*Sunken eyes, cheeks 
*Sunken soft spot-on top of skull 
*Listlessness or irritability 

Adults
*Extreme thirst 
*Less frequent urination 
*Dark-colored urine 
*Fatigue 
*Dizziness 
*Confusion 

Causes of Dehydration 
Any situation or condition that causes the body to lose more water than usual leads to dehydration. However, dehydration can happen more easily if you: 
*have diabetes 
*have been sick or have diarrhoea 
*have been in the sun too long (heatstroke) 
*have drunk too much alcohol
*sweat a lot after exercising 
*have a high temperature 
*take medicines that make you pee more (diuretics) 

Complications associated with dehydration
Untreated dehydration can lead to life-threatening complications, such as: 
*heat exhaustion 
*heat cramps 
*heatstroke 
*seizures due to electrolyte loss 
*low blood volume 
*kidney failure 
*coma 
One must see a doctor a doctor if; 
*You have had diarrhea for 24 hours or more 
*You are irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual 
*You can't keep down fluids 
*Have bloody or black stool 

Risk Factors for Dehydration
Some people have a higher risk for developing dehydration than others, including: 
People who work outside- If it is hot and humid, the risk of dehydration and heat illness increases. This is because when the air is humid, sweat cannot evaporate and cool you down as quickly as usual, which can cause your body temperature to rise and your need for fluids to increase. 
Older adults: With aging, the body's fluid reserves decrease, the ability to save water and the feeling of thirst decrease. These problems are exacerbated by chronic diseases such as diabetes and dementia and the use of certain medications. 
People with chronic illnesses: Uncontrolled or untreated diabetes increases the risk of severe dehydration. Kidney disease also increases your risk, as do medications that increase urination. Even a cold or sore throat will make you more dehydrated because you probably don't feel like eating or drinking when you're sick. 
Athletes Engaged in Strenuous Activities: Athletes especially runners, cyclists, and soccer players who train outdoors can become dehydrated from high-intensity training without proper fluid intake. 
Infants and young children: Babies and children, who are most likely to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Because the surface area is greater, they also lose more fluid from high fever or burns. Young children often do not realize that they are thirsty and cannot give themselves a drink. 

Diagnosis of Dehydration:
Your doctor can often diagnose dehydration based on physical signs and symptoms. If you are dehydrated, you are also likely to have low blood pressure, especially when you stand up from a lying position, a faster than normal heart rate and decreased blood flow to your extremities. 
To help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the degree of dehydration, you may have other tests, such as: 
Blood tests. Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working. 
Urinalysis. Tests done on your urine can help show whether you're dehydrated and to what degree. They also can check for signs of a bladder infection. 

Treatment of dehydration
*The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. The best way to treat dehydration depends on the age, severity and cause of the dehydration. 
*For infants and children dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain a specific ratio of water and salts to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.  
*Most adults with diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, mild to moderate dehydration, can improve their condition by drinking more water or other fluids. Whole fruit juice and soft drinks can make diarrhea worse.  
*Severely dehydrated children and adults should be treated at a hospital emergency room. Salts and fluids transported through a vein (intravenously) are quickly absorbed and speed up recovery. 

Prevention of dehydration
Here are some ways to prevent dehydration: 
*If you are sick, increase your fluid intake, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea. If you can't keep fluids down, see your doctor.  
*If you intend to exercise or play a sport, drink water before the activity. Change fluids regularly during exercise. Don't forget to drink water or electrolytes after your workout as well.  
*Dress cool during the hot months and stay out of direct heat if you can avoid it.  
*Even if you are not active, drink the recommended amount of fluids. Drinking fluids regularly can reduce the risk of dehydration. Water or diluted squash are good choices. 
*You should drink enough during the day, so your pee is a pale clear color. 
*Children under the age of 5 should get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. 

Dehydration from diarrhoea can be prevented by giving extra fluids at home, or it can be treated simply and effectively by giving adequate glucose-electrolyte solution called Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution. The combination of electrolytes and sugar stimulates water and electrolyte absorption from the gut. It therefore prevents or reverses dehydration and replaces lost salts in conditions such as diarrhoea and vomiting.  

How do I prepare an ORS solution at home? 
If ORS packets are not available, you can prepare it at home as well. 
Clean Water - 1 liter - 5 cupful (each cup about 200 ml.) 
Sugar - Six level teaspoons (1 teaspoon = 5grams) 
Salt - Half level teaspoon 
Stir the mixture till the sugar dissolves 

Dehydration happens when you don't get enough fluids. Whether it's from exercise, hot weather, or illness, dehydration can quickly become dangerous—no matter the cause. If you notice early signs of dehydration, you can help prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water and taking electrolytes throughout the day.