Dehydration can be defined as a significant decrease in the total water content of the body. It occurs when the rate of water intake - mostly by mouth - is lower than the rate of losing water from your body - urine, skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. When you lose a significant quantity of water, you begin to develop symptoms and signs of dehydration. Some of these are non-specific; such as, dizziness upon sitting or standing up from a lying position.
Why should you be worried about becoming dehydrated? The major reason is that it is important to avoid the complications of dehydration. When you become dehydrated, the volume of circulating blood decreases, and this in turn decreases the flow of blood to your vital organs. Not only is blood flow a major problem, but also as you become dehydrated, you lose water and two minerals - potassium and sodium - which are essential for optimal functioning of the body.
If dehydration is mild, you might try to re-hydrate yourself by drinking a salty broth, orange juice, sports drink, etc., but never alcohol or caffeine beverages. In addition to water, important electrolytes of potassium and sodium that the body loses through perspiration, vomiting or diarrhoea may be regained through these drinks.
When must you seek medical attention for dehydration? All situations, which indicate concern about maintaining adequate hydration, are significant. These include, but are not limited to, profuse diarrhoea, protracted vomiting - unable to keep down liquids, a very high fever, and most importantly, if you are unable to urinate.
Obviously if you develop any signs of dehydration you should be concerned. Urgent attention to the problem should involve not only the underlying causes but also replacing the liquid and electrolyte losses with intravenous liquids, if adequate replacement by mouth is not feasible. While there are no clear guidelines as to when you should seek medical attention, if any of the above concerns exist, the best advice is to check with your doctor before complications develop.
It is most important for persons with ostomies to consume adequate amounts of water and not develop dehydration.
