Avoiding Dehydration

Hot summer heat can be exhausting. And, August summers can be the hottest of all the months. Physical dehydration is a common occurrence during hot summer months. The good news is you can minimize your risk of dehydration while enjoying the summer season.

We store water in several compartments in our bodies. Water helps to keep our cells healthy and our temperature regulated. Dehydration occurs when you don't have enough water in your body. We can lose body water through tears, vomiting, and urination. We also experience daily insensible fluid loss. This is the amount of body fluid lost daily that is not easily measured. This includes water lost through breathing, normal sweating, and water in the excreted stool.

Subtle signs of dehydration include vertigo (dizziness), headache, dry mucose membranes, and skin. God's excellent work in our bodies contains a built-in system to counter dehydration. When we are dehydrated, a signal is sent to the hypothalamus in the brain that stimulates the sensation of thirst. A signal also goes to our kidneys to retain water, and we do not urinate as much. Mild dehydration can cause problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Severe dehydration can also cause weakness or confusion. Muscle cramps and severe weakness can accompany fluid loss associated with electrolyte imbalance. In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to brain damage and even death.

aggressively exercise during warm weather. Avoid long trips in an un-airconditioned car. Consider your fluid levels if you take a diuretic medication or are outdoors for a long time. Diarrhea and vomiting may also increase your risk of developing dehydration. Children under two years and adults 60 years old and older are more likely to become dehydrated.

Contact your medical provider if you feel you have significant dehydration. Treatment for the disorder will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

For mild dehydration, you can drink fluids. You may need to restore water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Sports drinks can replace water and electrolytes. You can drink plain water or water infused with fruit or cucumber. Drink fruit juices and decaffeinated tea. Avoid overly sugary drinks like soda. Don't drink alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol may cause your body to lose more water.

For moderate to severe dehydration, you may need IV fluids. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency. It needs to be treated right away with IV fluids in a hospital.

You are at risk for developing dehydration if you

Talk with your healthcare providers about all treatments' risks, benefits, and possible side effects of dehydration. Stay healthy and enjoy your summer!

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

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