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Water is an essential component of the body, and it should be present in sufficient quantity to support basic body functions. Water regulates the functioning of body cells, and they are the major constituents of water. Water is present outside cells as well but the major concentration lies inside them. Water accounts for around 75% of body weight. We lose a specific quantity of water every day through various body functions, and every person should drink enough water to replenish this loss. Dehydration is a medical condition that refers to excessive loss of body fluids or in other terms, the amount of water lost is much greater than the intake.

Causes:

Based on the amount of water lost, dehydration can be classified as mild or severe. We discharge water daily from our body through various processes such as sweating, discharging body waste or urination, etc. To cover this loss a person should drink an adequate amount of water each day. Dehydration usually occurs due to:

• Excessive sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dysentery
• Diabetes
• Burns
• Fever      

Other than these causes, reduced intake of water or other body fluids also results in dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms:

Initially, you may suffer from increased thirst, loss in discharge of urine, sudden increase in the concentration of urine, etc. These are some common symptoms of dehydration and as dehydration increase symptoms become more apparent. Some other signs that indicate dehydration are:

• Dry mouth
• Reduced urination
• Lethargy
• Reduced sweating
• Vomiting or nausea
• Eyes stop making tears
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness

In case you have severe dehydration, you may develop symptoms of reduced memory or confusion as the blood supply to brain or other body parts reduces. Coma, failure of body organs, etc. are some other effects of severe dehydration. You may require instant hospitalization for fast recovery.


Treatment:

In case of mild dehydration, an increased intake of fluids and water can be effective. Drink a small amount of water or other fluids frequently to replenish the loss. Doctors may prescribe you electrolyte solutions that help in fast recovery. These solutions contain essential components required for instant energy. In case of severe dehydration, you may need hospitalization to diagnose the cause. Once the cause is diagnosed, a specific treatment procedure is followed to eliminate the root cause.

To protect yourself from this medical condition, drink plenty of water each day.