Dehydration. What do we know about it? The human body consists of 2/3 water and cannot function normally if this indicator decreases. Water is present in the blood, its molecules are present in the intercellular space, and in each cell of every organ or tissue. If there is an increased loss of water in the body, this condition is called dehydration. Discomfort and pathological disturbances begin to be felt and manifest themselves with a loss of just 1% of water, and a loss of 20-25% leads to rapid death.
Causes of Dehydration.
The list of reasons leading to dehydration is quite extensive. The causes may include:
Inadequate water consumption.
Hunger, unbalanced nutrition.
Work or prolonged stay in conditions with high air temperature.
Activity that induces strong and prolonged sweating.
Heatstroke and/or sunstroke.
Change in climate zone, stay in high-humidity areas.
Gastrointestinal disorders and other intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, viral diarrhea, chronic watery diarrhea of non-infectious origin.
Burns causing increased urine formation.
Burns that occur with high body temperature and increased sweating.
Endocrine pathologies.
Respiratory and sensory organ burns with insufficient air (moisture loss occurs when exhaling water vapor).
Extensive burns accompanied by profuse sweating.
Establishment of artificial lung ventilation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, climacteric.
Regular and uncontrolled use of diuretics, high doses of aspirin, certain antidepressants, and psychotropic drugs can also contribute to dehydration. The moisture deficit in the cells of the body is relevant for people who often find themselves in a state of stress.
Symptoms of Dehydration.
It is a mistake to consider thirst as a sign of dehydration. The body begins to signal the need for fluid replenishment long before transitioning into a pathological state.
The simplest test for the body’s fluid content is to pinch the skin on the back of the hand. If the fold rises promptly, there is sufficient water; if it remains elevated, it is an indication to drink more water.
The human kidneys process a maximum of 100 ml of urine per hour. Therefore, under normal conditions, dehydration is not so easily apparent. If a person is deprived of any source of fluid, their body responds with specific symptoms:
The initial signs of dehydration include persistent strong thirst, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, inability to concentrate, irritability, and manifestations of skin dehydration (regardless of its type): dryness, pale tint, cracking, mild itching. Further dehydration and disruption of metabolism are accompanied by symptoms such as:
Typical headache.
Dryness of mucous membranes.
Chilliness, pallor, numbness, and a decrease in skin turgor.
Cessation of tear production, eye inflammation.
In children – crying without tears.
Decreased salivation, whitish frothy saliva, tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing.
Reduced urination, darkening of urine.
Constipation.
Increased and rapid heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, fainting.
Hyperventilation of the lungs, increased respiratory rate.
Acidosis.
Weight loss.
Severe dehydration leads to skin flaccidity, a drop in arterial and spinal fluid pressure, coma, cerebral (subdural) hemorrhages, disorientation, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Levels of Dehydration.
Dehydration is categorized into three levels – mild, moderate (intermediate), and severe. This classification is used to assess the severity of the condition and prescribe appropriate treatment. To determine the degree of dehydration, healthcare professionals evaluate weight loss, skin turgor, body temperature, and tone, as well as the dryness of mucous membranes, eye retraction, tear production, and arterial pressure. They also monitor the filling of capillaries.
In cases of severe dehydration, laboratory tests are essential, including the analysis of keratin, urea nitrogen, electrolytes, as well as measuring gas levels in arterial blood.
Dehydration. Risk Groups.
Particularly important for maintaining normal water levels in the body and adhering to a daily drinking balance are people who fall into the following risk groups:
Individuals with disorders caused by hormonal imbalances or metabolic disturbances.
Professional athletes engaging in daily intense training sessions.
Workers in challenging conditions of high temperatures or under direct sunlight exposure.
Women in menopause.
Elderly individuals.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children are also susceptible to dehydration.
How much water does the body need?
There are many myths surrounding this topic, and adhering to unfounded recommendations can be detrimental to health. According to experts from the World Health Organization, there cannot be a universal norm for water consumption for all individuals.
Disregard recommendations suggesting to drink two to three liters a day or eight glasses without accounting for tea, coffee, and liquid from food. When determining individual needs, it’s essential to consider body weight and age.
For every kilogram of body weight, the following water requirements apply:
Children weighing up to 10 kg: 4 ml of water per hour.
Children with a body weight up to 20 kg: 1000-1500 ml per day.
Adolescents and adults weighing over 20 kg: 1500 ml per day for the first 20 kg + 20 ml for each additional kilogram.
For example, if a person weighs 50 kg, their daily water intake should be 1500 ml + 20 ml * 30 kg = 2100 ml of fluids. However, it’s crucial not to restrict oneself or force hydration. Listen to your body – if you’re thirsty, drink; if you can’t swallow a drop, forget about the numbers. The body knows best when it needs water.
Dehydration in Children.
Dehydration in children under 5 years old is a global issue. About 48% of cases are associated with frequent episodes of gastroenteritis and infections characterized by high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as common conditions like colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. The remaining 52% of cases of dehydration in children are caused by:
More frequent and loose stools, typical for younger children.
Higher water content in the body than in adults.
Greater loss of water through sweat and mucous membranes because, for example, the body surface area relative to weight in children is 2-4 times larger than in adults.
Higher metabolic rate and water needs per kilogram of body weight than in adults.
Limited compensatory mechanisms for dehydration, such as increased urine concentration.
Dependence on adults to meet their water and fluid intake needs.
Newborns and infants are most vulnerable to dehydration.
Dehydration in the Elderly.
As people age, it becomes more critical to pay attention to daily water intake. Dehydration is more common in the elderly, as:
There is a physiological decrease in the body’s water content.
Physical activity tends to decrease, and weight may increase.
Hormonal changes occur due to the cessation of reproductive function.
There is a gradual reduction in the sensation of thirst and further disruption of water-electrolyte balance.
The intake of diuretic medications for arterial hypertension.
Non-infectious chronic diarrhea is more common.
Challenges in maintaining continence.
In addition to the mentioned reasons, factors such as excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, beverages with phosphoric or citric acid, and certain medications can contribute to dehydration in the elderly.
What to do in dehydration in extreme conditions?
Unfortunately, the only way to prevent or slow down dehydration in extreme conditions is to find and drink water. If it’s scarce, you can only drink it in small sips, approximately once every hour. If there is water but it’s contaminated, it should be purified and disinfected by all available means: settling, filtering, boiling, including with antiseptic agents. Collecting rainwater or dew, as well as melting snow or ice, can help you stay hydrated.
Dehydration of the face. How to deal with it?
It is well-known that the human body is composed of 80% water. If the water balance of facial skin is normal, it is smooth, matte, without wrinkles and blemishes. Dehydration in a person, especially during aging, leads to a loss of elasticity, the appearance of microcracks, peeling, and the formation of wrinkles.
Therefore, it is necessary to restore this balance in our body. Reminder: there is no healthy skin without an adequate amount of water.
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, moisture evaporates not only quickly but can also be detrimental to even the youngest face. However, this situation can be corrected by consulting a cosmetologist to precisely determine your skin type and learn how to care for it.
Dietary factor in dehydration.
To avoid skin problems, the table should always include products rich in vitamins C, A, and E. They improve metabolism and participate in the construction of cell membranes, contributing to the renewal of the epidermis.
It is also beneficial to include 1 tablespoon of unrefined oil in the diet – a source of essential fatty acids or try mango juice. The softness of this exotic fruit contains enzymes that wonderfully support skin elasticity.
Water – the main source of facial beauty.
Water is the best cosmetic remedy. Due to insufficient fluid intake, the skin becomes dehydrated, and weakened cells feel its deficit. They simply cannot actively regenerate. Therefore, it is necessary to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of pure water per day.
Cosmetic protection against dehydration.
In the case of dehydration in a person’s face, regular moisturizing procedures are crucial. They create a shield that forms a film, preventing moisture evaporation. Such preparations contain saturated fats and acids, mineral oils, glycerin, and other components that retain water in the skin.
However, not all products of this kind are suitable for everyone, as some may cause tissue swelling. On the other hand, a film made from unsaturated fats and acids is more elastic, does not cause swelling, and is recommended for any skin type. For example, cosmetics with dimethicone (effectively retaining moisture in the superficial layer of the epidermis) are suitable for the most sensitive and dry skin.
Dehydration. Treatment.
Substitute therapy preparations vary in composition. They may contain hyaluronic acid, which has unique properties—transforming a gram of water into a gel. Chitosan, together with milk and silk proteins, as well as amino acids, is also effective (suitable for any skin type). It has the ability to retain moisture for a long time.
Do not expect miraculous results from special chemicals. Unfortunately, there is no cosmetic capable of turning back time. Remember to spend more time in fresh air, protect your skin from direct sunlight in summer, and humidify the air in rooms during winter.
At any age, it’s beneficial to moisturize facial skin by applying a cold compress. This enhances blood circulation, returning freshness and elasticity to the skin. Lavender and a teaspoon of table salt in a basin of water make a good moisturizing bath for the face.
Masks for Dry Facial Skin.
The simplest masks made from fresh fruits and vegetables, which have been used for ages, provide toning and moisturizing effects on the skin of any type. Useful and effective face masks include:
Carrot Mask: Mix grated carrot with an egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of apricot oil.
Potato Mask: Blend raw grated potato with an egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk; it retains moisture and reduces swelling.
Honey and Milk Mask: A honey mask with milk helps with skin peeling.
Now that you are aware of dehydration, always take care of your body and keep it moisturized. We wish you strong health, beauty, and youthfulness!