Management of dehydration
Management of Dehydration
Management of dehydration (/mænɪdʒmənt ɒv,diːhaɪˈdreɪʃən/) refers to the medical practices and procedures used to treat and prevent dehydration, a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in.
Etymology
The term "management" originates from the Latin word "manus," meaning "hand," and "agere," meaning "to lead." "Dehydration" comes from the Greek word "de-" meaning "removal" and "hydration" from the Greek "hydor" meaning "water." Thus, the term essentially means "leading the removal of water."
Definition
Dehydration is a condition that can occur when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in. With dehydration, more water is moving out of individual cells and then out of the body than the amount of water that is taken in through drinking. Management of dehydration involves rehydration, maintaining hydration, and identifying and treating the underlying causes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as heat injury, urinary and kidney problems, seizures, and hypovolemic shock.
Treatment
Treatment for dehydration typically involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. This can be achieved through drinking fluids, eating foods high in water content, or in severe cases, receiving fluids intravenously. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat dehydration, especially due to diarrhea.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for dehydration include drinking enough fluids, especially when engaging in activities that cause rapid water loss, such as exercise or exposure to hot weather. Eating foods high in water content can also help prevent dehydration.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Management of dehydration
- Wikipedia's article - Management of dehydration
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