Severe dehydration: understanding, recognizing and reacting

You've probably heard that you need to drink at least two liters of water a day to stay hydrated. However, it's easy to underestimate your daily intake because our body has a natural mechanism to regulate its water reserves: thirst. However, this mechanism can sometimes be insufficient. In these cases, the risk of dehydration increases and can progress to a more serious form, known as severe dehydration .

In this article, we will explore what severe dehydration is, the signs that allow you to recognize it, and the steps you can take to prevent and treat it. Enjoy reading!

Dehydration: definition and stages

What is dehydration?

Dehydration results from a water deficit in the body, that is, a situation in which the body loses more fluids than it absorbs.

As the body loses water, dehydration worsens and progresses through several stages, each characterized by different symptoms.

• Mild to moderate dehydration is manifested by thirst first, then by decreased sweating, urine production, fatigue and a loss of skin elasticity.
• Severe dehydration manifests itself as dizziness or fainting . These new symptoms are related to the fact that at this stage, water from the cells passes into the blood to compensate for losses and maintain sufficient circulation. This is particularly the case in the brain, causing the symptoms mentioned above.

The main causes of dehydration

Dehydration is often caused by a sudden and significant decrease in the body's fluid stores without replacement, for example during episodes of diarrhea , vomiting or profuse sweating.

 

Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration

What are the signs of severe dehydration?

As dehydration worsens and becomes severe, symptoms change. Blood pressure begins to drop, which can cause dizziness or even fainting , especially when standing. This is called orthostatic hypotension .

If dehydration worsens, it can lead to shock and severe damage to internal organs. The brain is particularly sensitive to the decrease in the body's water stores because it needs it for the maintenance of neurons and the transport of hormones throughout the body. Thus, confusion is a characteristic symptom of severe dehydration.

However, symptoms of dehydration can vary significantly depending on the age of the person affected.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Infants and Children

In infants and children symptoms of dehydration may include:

• A sunken fontanelle (the soft spot at the top of a baby's head)
• Dark circles and sunken eyes
• A decrease in the amount of urine, including diapers that are not wet or barely wet
• Crying without tears and dry skin

Symptoms in adults and the elderly

In older people , the main symptoms are thirst, decreased water excreted from the body through urine and sweat, low blood pressure, apathy, confusion and malaise.

 

Risks and complications of severe dehydration

What are the complications of dehydration?

If left untreated, dehydration can lead to more or less serious complications such as:

• Electrolyte imbalance , especially lack of sodium (hyponatremia) and lack of potassium , hinders the proper functioning of the body's organs.
• A significant decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the body (hypovolemic shock)
• Acute renal failure due to decreased circulating blood fluid volume

If dehydration continues to worsen, it can cause coma and death.

What disease causes dehydration?

Some diseases, such as diabetes, diarrhea or gastroenteritis, which increase water excretion can increase the risk of dehydration. This is why you must be particularly vigilant if you find yourself in this case to hydrate yourself well to compensate for losses.

What to do when faced with severe dehydration?

How to react in case of severe dehydration?

In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to act quickly. First, see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can administer a liquid intravenous (IV) solution containing chloride and sodium to restore electrolyte balance and promote water retention . Then, as soon as the person is able to drink, they can be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS ), which is more effective for rehydration than regular water.

How to rehydrate in case of moderate dehydration?

In case of moderate dehydration , it is necessary to drink large quantities of water rich in electrolytes in order to compensate for the deficit. Consuming a hydration solution such asHydratis tablets is a very good solution since it allows on the one hand to enrich the water with electrolytes, and on the other hand to promote its absorption thanks to a scientifically tested mixture of sodium and glucose.

Diagnosis and prevention of severe dehydration

What tests are used to diagnose dehydration?

Dehydration is often diagnosed based on its symptoms. If the patient has other conditions that could confuse the diagnosis, a blood test may be necessary.

What are the means of prevention against severe dehydration?

To prevent dehydration, the most important thing is to drink regularly and in sufficient quantities. In particular, during periods of high heat , after intense physical exercise or in the event of an illness causing significant water excretion (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), you should think about hydrating yourself more than usual to compensate for losses.

Attention should also be paid to others, especially the elderly, children and infants who are more vulnerable.

Severe dehydration can occur in a variety of situations, but its symptoms often remain the same: dry skin and mouth, decreased sweating and urine, dizziness, confusion, and sometimes fainting. To avoid getting to this point, prevention is essential: make sure you hydrate yourself regularly and in sufficient quantities, whether with water or oral rehydration solutions. Protecting your health is above all about anticipating and adopting the right reflexes.