DEHYDRATION

Dehydration is a significant lack of water in the body, which occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. Every day we lose a large quantity of water as we go about our normal business. 

Dehydration affects the proper functioning of the body, since it compromises several important functions, such as the transportation of nutrients to the cells and toxic substances from the body, the regulation of body temperature and carrying out some enzymatic reactions. Dehydration is often responsible for mental fatigue and lack of attention, which can interfere with concentration and memory. Dehydration also disrupts kidney function and the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems.

Depending on the amount of water that is lacking, dehydration may be mild, moderate or severe. All types of liquid losses are also accompanied by the loss of various concentrations of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.

Many conditions can lead to dehydration, such as:

• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting: large loss of water and electrolytes over a short period of time.
• Excessive sweating: usually related to heat or intense physical effort.
• Water intake deficit.
• Fever.
• Increased urination due to infection or the ingestion of diuretics.

The treatment of dehydration depends on the type of dehydration and its cause. In general it consists of oral or intravenous fluid replacement, with or without electrolytes. Severe dehydration will require medical treatment with the administration of intravenous solutions. In mild to moderate dehydration, lost electrolytes should be replenished using oral rehydration solutions (ORS) that are available without prescription from pharmacists. 

ORS contains adequate and standardised volumes of electrolytes (mineral salts) and carbohydrates (in the form of sugar), which must be dissolved in water and then ingested. These solutions are useful for all age groups, both in cases of diarrhoea or vomiting, and in situations requiring rapid correction of fluids and mineral salts, such as with athletes after intense physical exercise.

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