The removal of water from food by heat.
A deficit in body fluids.
A depletion of body fluids that can hinder the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. During exercise, one can become dehydrated if the fluids lost through perspiration are not replaced.
A lack of water in tissues and cells may be the result of too little intake or the inability of water to pass to the tissues and cells that need it. For example, when the sodium level of the body drops significantly, as in heat exhaustion, water is with drawn from the cells resulting.
The abnormal depletion of body fluids from food or tissue: or the condition that results from undue loss of water.
The process of water removal.
Dehydration occurs when fluid intake fails to meet the level of fluid excretion. For athletes, dehydration can be a major detriment to performance as described in the entry for hydration.
Dangerously low water level in the body’s tissues, generally also involving loss of key substances called electrolytes that are normally dissolved in the body fluids. Where water is available and the person is conscious, powerful sensations of thirst generally prevent dehydration. But infants and small children, as well as adults who are severely ill, may be vulnerable to serious, even life-threatening damage from dehydration. Diarrhea and persistent vomiting can put a baby’s life at risk, so medical help should be sought immediately. In addition to thirst, symptoms of dehydration include dry lips and tongue, dizziness and confusion, rapid heartbeat and breathing, and eventual coma. Treatment involves replacing not only water but also vital substances, using rehydration mixtures (available in drugstores) or in hospitals parenteral nutrition, to resupply the fluid and balance necessary for recovery.
Extreme loss of water from the body tissues, often accompanied by imbalance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and other electrolytes in the body. Dehydration may occur in prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, or perspiration and is of more concern in infants and young children. Symptoms include thirst, dry skin, cracked lips, and dry mouth. Treatment involves restoring the fluid and electrolyte balance either by having the person drink liquids or by the intravenous administration of water and salts.
A decrease in the body’s water level below that required for adequate circulation. Dehydration has many symptoms, including increased thirst, anxiety, weakness, confusion, and fainting. A decrease in urine output, dry and pale skin without the normal elasticity, sunken eyes, and decreased tears are also signs of dehydration.
Loss or deficiency of water in body tissues. The condition may result from inadequate water intake and/or from excessive removal of water from the body; for example, by sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms include great thirst, nausea, and exhaustion. The condition is treated by drinking plenty of water; severe cases require intravenous administration of water and salts (which have been lost with the water).
A fall in the water content of the body. Sixty per cent of a man’s body weight is water, and 50 per cent of a woman’s; those proportions need to be maintained within quite narrow limits to ensure proper functioning of body tissues. Body fluids contain a variety of mineral salts and these, too, must remain within narrow concentration bands. Dehydration is often accompanied by loss of salt, one of the most important minerals in the body.
The removal of water from a chemical (e.g., by surface evaporation or by heating it to release water of crystallization).
A state in which the body has lost more water than has been taken in.
An ailment characterized by an immoderate elimination of bodily fluids.
Hypovolemia is a state characterized by an insufficient level of fluids within the body, which can potentially hinder the proper functioning of bodily processes.
Dehydration refers to a condition in which an individual’s water content reaches a dangerously low level. Water comprises approximately 60 percent of body weight in men and around 50 percent in women. It is crucial to maintain the total water content, along with dissolved mineral salts and other substances within the body’s fluids, within relatively narrow limits to facilitate the proper functioning of cells and tissues, ensuring their optimal health.
Dehydration arises from insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. The latter can occur in cases of severe or prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or specific types of kidney failure. Children, especially when experiencing diarrhea, are particularly vulnerable to dehydration.
Severe dehydration presents with notable symptoms including intense thirst, dry lips and tongue, elevated heart rate and breathing rate, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, and potential progression to coma. The skin appears dry and loses its elasticity. Urination becomes scanty and urine color darkens. In cases where there is accompanying salt depletion, such as from excessive sweating, individuals may experience headaches, muscle cramps, and pallor.
Consuming bottled mineral water aids in maintaining adequate salt intake. In cases of ongoing vomiting and diarrhea, rehydration therapy is necessary, and salt and glucose rehydration mixtures can be obtained from pharmacies. These mixtures assist in replenishing lost fluids, salts, and glucose in the body.
In instances of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids may be administered, allowing for direct delivery into the bloodstream. The water and salt balance is closely monitored through blood tests, ensuring appropriate adjustments as needed. This meticulous monitoring helps in maintaining the optimal hydration and electrolyte levels in the body.