Dehydration - UK Health Insurance

HealthInsurance Quote Line

0800 107 9246

• Home
• Mortgages
• Credit Cards
• Loans
• Investments
• Life Insurance
• Home Insurance

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |  J  | K | L | M | N |  O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

 

 

[Dehydration] [Dysmenorrhea]

DEHYDRATION

Dehydration means "the excessive loss of water from the body."

TARGET GROUP:

Children are more affected by dehydration than adults. Babies and toddlers are at a greater risk of dehydration because they have less fluid reserves and they are sick more often.

TYPE OF AILMENT:

Our bodies need a certain amount of fluid intake on an every day basis to perform our normal bodily functions. Basic fluid intake serves to replace the fluids which are used up by the body. If we take in less or lose more fluid than is needed, this may result is dehydration.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SYMPTOMS:

General signs of dehydration are

• Feeling thirsty
• Less frequent urination
• Skin being dry
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Dark colored urine
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Dry and loose skin
• Children could have further signs like irritability, sunken eyes, abdomen and cheeks and fever

 

AFFECTED AREAS:

Dehydration may affect the eyes, abdomen, cheeks and also make the tongue and mouth dry.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

Stress-related causes like prolonged exposure to dry air, or prolonged physical activity without consumption of water, shock, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperthermia and blood loss may cause dehydration. Infectious disease like cholera, gastroenteritis, yellow fever, shigellosis and fasting for long periods can lead to dehydration.

 

RISK TO THE SUFFERER:

If not timely treated dehydration can turn severe leading to changes in the body's chemistry, kidney failure, and can even become life-threatening.

TREATMENT:

The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from happening. Inform your doctor if you suspect excessive fluid loss during illness, Intravenous or oral fluid replacement may be required depending on severity of fluid loss. Treatment for minor dehydration includes drinking water, sport drinks and other fluids commercially available to restore the loss of fluids during dehydration. They should be used with care, as the balance of electrolytes they provide may not match the replacement requirements of the individual. For severe cases of dehydration where the patient is incapable of standing or thinking clearly or when the patient is fainted, emergency attention is required.