Combat Summer Dehydration

Wellness

oi-Staff

By Super Admin

Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:47

Dehydration is one of the heat related illness caused due to the loss of water and salts from the body. A research by 'American College of Sports Medicine' shows that more than 300 people die of heat related illnesses every year. The study also confirmed that children are more susceptible to dehydration and heat illness than adults and once the children are dehydrated its almost impossible for them to regain their health. To combat summer dehydration, read the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment. Safeguard your family from the summer heat follow these useful guidelines.

Causes
A wide range of diseases and states that impair water homeostasis in the body can cause dehydration. Some of them include, diarrhea, vomiting, yellow fever, excessive sweating, prolonged exposure to dry air and sun, physical activity without consuming any fluids or water, malnutrition etc.

Symptoms
Dehydration signs and symptoms include,

• Headache or nausea
• Decreased blood pressure
• Dizziness or fainting
• Loss of appetite, dry mouth and dry skin
• Reduced amount of urine production that is usually dark yellow. In severe condition there may be no urine output at all.
• Flushed face with sunken eyes
• Absence of tears while crying
• Lack of sweating
• In most severe cases, delirium or unconsciousness.

Prevention
Dehydration can be prevented with theses simple tips,

• Drink atleast 8 ounce glasses of fluid everyday during summer.
• Avoid dark coloured clothes and wear absorbable loose fitting clothes.
• Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
• Sport athletes should drink sports drinks as they are flavored and are high in sodium. Drink before, during and after strenuous activity to replace the loss of fluid through sweat.
• Protect your skin with sunblock and stay in cool and shaded areas. Use an umbrella every time you walk out in the hot sun.

Treatment
The best treatment for dehydrations is drinking lot of fluids that will retain the water level in the body. The treatment also depends on the age, causes and severity of dehydration.

Treat dehydrated sick children or infants, by using an oral rehydration solution such as pedialyte, WHO-ORS for children who have diarrhea, vomiting and fever. You can even make your own oral rehydration solution by mixing ' teaspoon salt, ' teaspoon baking soda, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1litre of filtered drinking water. Make sure the measurements are apt as the excess or less may be harmful or less effective respectively. Before giving the solution consult the nearby doctor for the right amount of usage. Avoid giving your child salty soups, sodas, boiled milk or fruit juice as it may make the situation worse.

For adults the best dehydration treatment is intake of more water. Avoid fruit juices, sodas and beverages that contain caffeine. For adults who are dehydrated due to outdoor games in hot sun or exercise, cool water is the best treatment. Intake of sports drink containing electrolytes and carbohydrates is also useful. However, severe dehydration should be treated by the expert doctors as the severity may even lead to death. In such cases the essential fluids are passed through vein and not orally.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.