Dehydration is characterized by the insufficient amount of water in the body. Among the main causes of dehydration are poor fluid intake, diarrhea, vomiting and excessive sweating.
Normally, we lose 2.5 liters of water a day, either through urine, feces, sweat or even through breathing. To have a constant balance, you have to drink the same volume of fluids every day. When there is insufficient fluid intake, dehydration sets in.
Symptoms of dehydration
The symptoms of dehydration are:
- Thirst;
- Dry mouth;
- Dry, dull eyes;
- Decreased urine;
- Slow motion;
- Cracked lips;
- Extremely dry skin;
- Blurred eyes (bottoms);
- Dizziness when getting up;
- Low pressure;
- Increased heart rate;
- Decreased skin elasticity.
Diagnosis of dehydration
The diagnosis of dehydration can be made by the doctor or nurse when observing the symptoms that the individual presents, but some tests can help in the classification of the dehydration and, therefore, the doctor can request tests, such as hemogram, urine test and glycemia.
Treatment for dehydration
The treatment for dehydration can be done initially with the homemade serum and, in the most serious cases, the individual must be taken to the hospital so that the saline solution is given directly to the vein. It is advised that the individual drink the homemade serum in small amounts to avoid vomiting.
Here's how to make homemade whey:
Pure water should be avoided because it does not contain the minerals that the individual needs, and therefore a choice other than homemade whey are the isotonic drinks and salts for oral rehydration that are found in pharmacies.
Prevention of dehydration
As a form of prevention of dehydration it is advised that the individual drink about 2 liters of water, natural fruit juices or teas, per day. In addition, it is important that diarrhea or vomiting increase fluid intake and therefore, whenever the individual vomits or has diarrhea, assess the amount of fluids lost at this point and then drink the same amount of water or fruit juice.
It is still important to avoid being exposed to the sun for long periods and whenever you exercise, drink plenty of fluids to replenish the amount of water lost through sweat.
Useful links:
- Homemade Serum Recipe
- Home remedy for dehydration
- Signs of dehydration in children