How the body responds to dehydration
-thirst
-loss of appetite
-dry skin
-onset of fatigue
-tiredness
-headache
-lack of tears when crying
-eyes sunken
-poor skin elasticity
-decrease blood pressure because low plasma volume
-respiration rate increases to compensate for decreased plasma volume and blood pressure
-decrease sweating
-decreased sweating causes body temperature to increase
posted by Nougat Kids @ 2:13 AM
2 Comments:
Symptoms of dehydration:
Mild dehydration (less than 5% body weight loss):
Almost no signs.
Moderate dehydration ( 5-10% body weight loss):
Lower peripheral perfusion.
Thirst.
Alertness and restlessness.
Rapid pulse.
Sunken eyes and fontanelle.
Dry mucous membranes.
Deep acidotic breathing.
When skin is pinched, it retracts slowly, about 1-2 seconds.ie abnormal skin turgor.
Severe dehydration (more than 10% bdy weight loss):
All of the above AND
In infants:
Drowsiness and lethargy.
Limpness.
Cold limbs.
Sweatiness.
Cyanotic limbs.
Altered conscious level.
In older children:
Apprehension.
Cold limbs.
Sweatiness.
Cyanotic limbs.
Rapid weak pulse.
Low blood pressure.
Source:
Acute Gastroenteritis in Children,
Australia Family Physician Vol 34, No 4, April 2005.
• Management of dehydration: prevention & treatment – hosp & non hosp:
Kumar and Clarke:
• Loss of water and electrolytes should be treated by replacement of the loss, if possible with oral water and sodium salts for electrolyte replacement
• Glucose powder is available for severe cases, particularly in infants
• Antidiarrhoel drugs are available for short term relief
• Oral rehydration fluids: available in different forms, usually a formula to mix into water. Based on observation that glucose enhances sodium absorption in small intestine, there is also an amylase resistant starch that increases absorption. The cereal based solution also decreses stool volume. Here are some examples:
Pg 71
Salts (mmol/L) Substance added
Oral Na+ K+ Cl- Glucose
WHO 75 20 65 75 NaCl, Na citrate, KCl, Glucose
Cereal Based 85 - 80 - Cooked rice, salt
Household 85 - 80 111 Glucose, salt,
UK/Europe 35-60 20 37 90-200 Pre-prepared
IV
Ringer’s lactate 131 4 109 0 Pre-prepared
• Slow sodium: these are tablets of Na+ and Cl- to be taken with water for mild-chronic salt and water depletion. Sodium bicarbonate can be used but is less effective
• Intravenous fluids: necessary if there is hypotension and evidence of impaired organ perfusion. Rapid rate of around 1000mL per hour, or in less severe cases 1000mL every 4-6 hours
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