DehydrationDehydration

Symptoms, causes, risks, treatment and more…

3 facts about dehydration3 facts about dehydration

• Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much fluid.

• Fluid can be lost through illness, sweating or exercise.

• Dehydration can cause muscle cramping.

One reason not to ignore itOne reason not to ignore it

• Severe dehydration decreases the fluids in the body. Fluids help the blood to travel to organs. Without this, the body can go into shock.

Signs of mild dehydrationSigns of mild dehydration

• Dry mouth and sticky saliva

• Reduced urine which is a dark yellow

• Listless behavior

• Increased thirst.

Signs of moderate dehydrationSigns of moderate dehydration

• Extreme thirst• Dry inside mouth and eyes will not tear• Decreased urination, with urine that is damp amber

or brown• Lightheadedness (relieved by lying down)• Irritable or restless• Arms or legs are cool to the touch• Rapid heartbeat• Muscle cramps

Signs of severe dehydration: Call Signs of severe dehydration: Call 911 or emergency services911 or emergency services

• Altered behavior• Faintness not relieved by lying down• Inability to stand or walk• Rapid breathing• Weak, rapid pulse• Cold, clammy skin or hot dry skin• Little or no urination for 12 or more

hours• Loss of consciousness.

Why is it worse for the older Why is it worse for the older adult?adult?• Water metabolism

changes with aging. This is due to a decrease in total body water, decrease in intracellular water, and a decreased thirst perception.

Some medicines may cause Some medicines may cause dehydrationdehydration

• Antihistamines• Blood Pressure Medicines• Chemotherapy• Diuretics• Laxatives• Psychiatric medicines

If you are mildly dehydratedIf you are mildly dehydrated

• Rest• Take off extra clothes if you are warm• Rehydrate with 2 qt. of cool liquids over the next 2 to

4 hours. • Continue to drink. It may take as long as a day and a

half to replace the fluids that you have lost.• Consult a professional if you become less alert, dizzy

or lightheaded, or if symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Dehydration causes an Dehydration causes an electrolyte imbalance.electrolyte imbalance.

• Dehydration produces a higher amount of sodium and a lower amount of potassium, which are electrolytes.

• A very high sodium level can cause confusion, paralysis, coma, and seizures.

• Although there is not an immediate problem, extended time with low potassium levels may produce less insulin, which may increase the amount of sugar in the body.

•  If the potassium level becomes very low, fatigue, confusion, and muscle weakness and cramps typically occur. A very low potassium level can cause paralysis and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). 

HypernatremiaHypernatremia

• Hypernatremia is the term for an excess of sodium in the body.

• It often affects hospitalized patients with existing conditions like diabetes and diarrhea.

• Treatment involves a slow replenishing of liquids through drinking or I V.

•

HyponatremiaHyponatremia

• Hyponatremia is the other side of hypernatremia. It results from too many liquids or drinking too quickly.

• This is the most common electrolyte imbalance.

• People with kidney disease may experience this.

Symptoms & treatmentSymptoms & treatment

• Symptoms of hyponatremia include fatigue, weakness, nausea and headache. These can escalate into confusion, seizure, coma and death if treatment is not received. The goal of treatment is to restore electrolyte balance. Sodium must be added slowly.

Don’t get dehydrated…DRINK!Don’t get dehydrated…DRINK!

Drink this

To prevent this

SourcesSources

• Nutrition Review , June 63 (6): S22-9. Strategies for ensuring good hydration in the elderly, by M. Ferry. Retrieved from: http://www.heartspring.net/thirst_electrolytes_elderly.html.

• Dehydration: Topic Overview. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tc/dehydration-topic-overview

• Problems with Electrolyte Imbalance. Retrieved from: http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sec3/ch18/ch18d.html

Developed by Mary Burns Prine4/21/2009