• Medically, dehydration occurs when the body has an insufficient amount of water to function properly. Once the human body loses two percent of its normal amount of water, dehydration symptoms begin to present themselves.What Is Enlightment Magazine: You're Not Demented, Just Dehydrated If left untreated, severe cases of dehydration can result in death.Pure Inside Out: Dehydration or Disease

• Fast Facts

  1. Caused by various different diseases and conditionsMayo Clinic: Dehydration: Causes
  2. Symptoms begin once 2 percent of the body's water is lost
  3. A water loss of more than 15 percent is usually fatal
  4. Most people don't consume enough fluidsAFIC: Fluid: The Forgotten Factor
  5. Mild dehydration can slow down metabolism by up to 3 percentEClub: The Healing Power of Water
  6. The elderly are most often hospitalized for dehydrationHeart Spring: Strategies for ensuring good hydration in the elderly
  7. Monitor your urine and drink water to prevent dehydrationMayo Clinic: Dehydration: Prevention

• Causes of Dehydration

  • Physical activity over an extended period of time without water
  • Extended period of time in dry air
  • Blood loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperthermia
  • Shock
  • Vomiting
  • Burns
  • Use of methamphetamines
  • Cholera
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Shigellosis
  • Yellow fever
  • Malnutrition
  • Hyperglycemia

• Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Visual Snow episode
  • A decrease in blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Thirst
  • Discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Sleepiness
  • Skin may wrinkle
  • Urination may be painful
  • Delirium may set in
  • Unconsciousness
  • Swelling of tongue

• TreatmentMayo Clinic: [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs Dehydration: Treatments and Drugs]

  • Drink water
  • Avoid solid foods if you have diarrhea
  • Oral hydration therapy
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Avoid sweating to minimize loss of water

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on dehydration.

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