Dehydration Treatment in India

Posted on: Jan 2, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Dehydration Treatment in India

It is a sweltering summer day, and you have been running errands non-stop. You feel drained, your mouth dry, and a dull headache creeps in. You realise you have not had a sip of water in hours. Dehydration has set in. You wonder how something as simple as not drinking enough water can lead to such discomfort. More importantly, you ask yourself, what should I do now?

Dehydration is a common medical condition that happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Left untreated, it can escalate into severe health complications. Understanding how to recognise, manage, and treat dehydration is essential for staying healthy.

What are the common causes of Dehydration?

Various reasons can cause dehydration; a few are discussed below.

• Dehydration primarily stems from inadequate water consumption.

• Heavy sweating from summer heat or intense workouts results in significant water and electrolyte loss, leading to dehydration if fluid levels are not replenished on time.

• Excessive alcohol consumption is another cause of dehydration. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it makes your body lose more water through urination.

• Medical conditions like vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever can quickly deplete your body’s fluids.

• When you are at higher altitudes, your body loses more water through increased breathing rates and urination.

• If your medical prescription includes drugs like Chlorothiazide, Furosemide, Eplerenone, or Triamterene, you may experience reduced saliva production or increased urination, which may result in dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may indicate dehydration —

• You may feel an uncomfortably dry sensation in your mouth and throat.

• Pay attention to the colour of your urine. Dark yellow or amber-coloured urine often indicates that your body lacks adequate hydration and circulates excessive waste products.

• Dehydration reduces blood volume and makes your heart work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients. This can leave you feeling tired or weak, regardless of whether you perform mild or strenuous activities.

• Your brain requires sufficient hydration to function. Dehydration can cause headaches or dizziness, especially when you stand up too quickly due to lower blood pressure.

• If you pinch your skin and it doesn't bounce back quickly, it could be a sign of dehydration. Dry skin is another indicator of reduced fluid levels in your body.

• Going to the toilet less than usual can signal dehydration.

• Look in the mirror. It might signal fluid loss if your eyes appear sunken or have dark circles.

• Muscle cramps, especially in the stomach, legs, and arms, are another sign of dehydration and can arise due to an electrolyte imbalance.

• Prolonged dehydration can lead to a dry mouth with less saliva production, which can further cause bacterial growth and bad breath.

• You may feel irritable or have difficulty concentrating when dehydrated.

Treatment for Dehydration

If you have mild dehydration, you can easily manage it using home remedies and over-the-counter solutions. Here are some dehydration treatment options —

• The simplest tip — rehydrate your body with water. The best way to do this is to take small sips instead of gulping down large amounts at once, which helps avoid upsetting your stomach. It is recommended to use cool or room-temperature water because it is easier for your body to absorb.

• Use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). These can quickly replenish electrolyte levels and prevent symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting.

• Increase your intake of foods with high water content. Try fruits like watermelons, strawberries, oranges, or vegetables like celery and cucumber.

• Coconut water is another highly recommended home remedy due to its rich electrolyte content.

Lastly, there are certain substances you should strictly avoid if you don't want dehydration to worsen. These include caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

If home remedies are not the solution for you, turn to medical assistance. Here is what that means.

• When dealing with severe dehydration, your doctor may administer intravenous fluids to replenish lost electrolytes. This method delivers fluids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

• You may require hospitalisation in cases of severe and prolonged dehydration to ensure your vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, return to normal. Blood tests may also be advised to assess the extent of dehydration. If you are worried about the hospitalisation costs, health insurance can assist.

• In addition to fluids, specific electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium may be administered to restore balance in the body.

Conclusion

Dehydration can be easily treated with simple home remedies like water, Oral Rehydration Solutions, and hydrating foods. However, seeking medical help with intravenous fluids and electrolyte balance is crucial for severe cases. Staying hydrated is crucial to keeping good health, so remember to drink fluids regularly, especially during hot weather or strenuous physical activity. If you have health coverage with critical illness insurance, you don’t have to worry about the medical bills, especially when prolonged dehydration results in severe health complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes dehydration?

Dehydration can be caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, insufficient fluids, or certain medical conditions like diabetes.

2. What are the types of dehydration?

The three types of dehydration are isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic, depending on the electrolyte levels in the body.

3. How much water should I drink to rehydrate?

It depends on the severity of dehydration, but generally, 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day is recommended.

4. What are the symptoms of severe dehydration?

Symptoms of severe dehydration include extreme thirst, dry skin, low blood pressure, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.

5. Can I drink coconut water for dehydration?

Yes, coconut water contains electrolytes like potassium and can help in rehydration.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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