Dehydration in case of gastroenteritis: what to do?

Gastroenteritis , commonly called "gastro", is an infection that affects many people every year. Often resulting from a viral or bacterial infection, it disrupts the delicate balance of the digestive system , causing a series of unpleasant symptoms such as nausea , vomiting , diarrhea and abdominal cramps . In cases of gastroenteritis, the rapid and frequent evacuation of body fluids can quickly exceed the body's ability to replenish them through the usual consumption of fluids. This is especially true if the appetite is reduced, which is common when suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, the body's ability to absorb fluids efficiently can be compromised during this illness, making fluid replenishment even more difficult. For this reason, drinking water and therefore rehydrating are essential aspects to give the body an adequate supply of water after or during these episodes.

Identifying Dehydration: Symptoms and Warning Signs

What is dehydration?

Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids and electrolytes than it takes in. This is a particularly serious concern during gastroenteritis. This digestive condition, often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea , significantly accelerates the loss of body fluids. These symptoms result not only in water loss , but also in a significant decrease in essential electrolytes such as sodium , potassium , and chloride , which play a crucial role in maintaining normal bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

In this context, it becomes imperative to recognize the signs of dehydration promptly to avoid potential complications. This is especially important in vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, in whom the effects of dehydration can be more rapid and severe.

How to recognize dehydration?

Here are some signs and symptoms to watch for to identify and avoid dehydration:

Dry mouth and tongue: This is an early and significant indicator of dehydration, especially in cases of gastroenteritis. This condition occurs when the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue lose their natural moisture and become noticeably dry and sticky. This unpleasant sensation is often accompanied by a decrease in saliva, which makes both swallowing and speaking difficult.

Reduced urinary frequency and dark urine: Normally, a healthy adult should urinate about six to eight times a day, but this frequency can decrease significantly when the body is lacking fluids. This decrease in urinary frequency is a clear indicator that the body is trying to conserve water, thus limiting the amount of urine produced. When the body is dehydrated , urine can become noticeably darker in color, ranging from dark yellow to amber. This color is due to a higher concentration of waste products and chemicals, such as urea, which the kidneys filter out of the blood. When the body is well hydrated, these waste products are diluted with more fluids, making the urine lighter.

Unusual fatigue and lethargy: When the body lacks fluids, every cell and organ is affected, which can lead to feelings of extreme fatigue, lack of energy, and general weakness. Dehydration affects blood circulation and can reduce the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the muscles and brain. This can lead to feelings of muscle weakness and decreased endurance, making physical activities more difficult.

Dizziness or lightheadedness: When the body loses a significant amount of fluid, blood volume can decrease, reducing the pressure that the blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. This drop in blood pressure can cause insufficient oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.

Our hydration tips during gastroenteritis

Drink fluids in small amounts

It can be difficult to consume large amounts of fluids at once. Opting to drink water in small, regular sips instead of drinking large volumes of water or other fluids at once allows you to gently reintroduce fluids into the body without risking aggravating symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Clear soups, vegetable broths, and herbal teas can help. And there are also Hydratis solutions that will contribute to rehydration , while providing essential electrolytes that can be lost in the event of gastroenteritis. Water-rich fruits, such as watermelon or peaches, can also be sources of hydration , while being gentle on the digestive system .

Using Hydratis rehydration solutions

Hydratis is a rehydration solution specially designed to meet the needs of people suffering from water and electrolyte imbalances, as is often the case during gastroenteritis. Indeed, these carefully developed solutions offer a rich and optimal blend of salts, sugars, and minerals that ensure rapid and efficient absorption of water, allowing rapid rehydration without overloading or further irritating the digestive system. Our products are formulated to provide a precise balance between hydration and flavor, making them more pleasant to consume while being effective in boosting the body! As for its use, we advise you to put one tablet in 250ml of water and take small quantities regularly, to be renewed throughout the day as soon as you feel the need (e.g. every 2-3 hours).

Avoid certain drinks

Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas, as well as carbonated drinks and highly sugary fruit juices, can often worsen diarrhea symptoms and, therefore, exacerbate dehydration.

Daily prevention and hydration

Preventing dehydration is a crucial aspect of overall health that goes far beyond managing periods of illness. In fact, adequate daily hydration plays a fundamental role in maintaining optimal health and contributes to many aspects of physical and mental well-being. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to a variety of health problems, from fatigue and difficulty concentrating to more serious issues like kidney stones or low blood pressure . If signs of severe dehydration appear or symptoms persist, medical attention is imperative.

Being aware of the signs of dehydration and implementing appropriate hydration strategies play a crucial role in the effective management of gastroenteritis. Following these water losses, we recommend drinking regularly throughout the day, not just in response to thirst, which is often a late sign of dehydration! Our oral rehydration solutions are designed to help maintain optimal fluid balance , particularly for active individuals or those living in hot climates where fluid loss can be accelerated. We are committed to helping everyone achieve this vital electrolyte balance, by encouraging healthy hydration practices and providing quality products to support this goal. Visit us in your pharmacy or on our website hydratis.co and don't forget to hydrate :)

Bibliography

National Library of Medicine. June 12, 2023. “Viral Gastroenteritis” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518995/

Improved. October 27, 2023. “Adult gastroenteritis: what to do?” - https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/gastro-enterite-adulte/bons-reflexes-que-faire

Improved. December 6, 2023. “Dehydration” - https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/urgence/pathologies/deshydratation

National Library of Medicine. October 3, 2022. “Adult Dehydration” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/

Science Direct. September 21, 2023. “Emergency department assessment and management of children with gastroenteritis” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588994X23000696?via%3Dihub