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Dehydration can be defined as “the excessive loss of water from
the body.” Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to dehydration
in various ways. Often, dehydration becomes a major problem in an
otherwise minor illness. Fluid loss may even be severe enough to
become life threatening.
The following information is designed to provide some understanding
and guidance in order to avoid the effects of dehydration. Treatment,
however, should be individualized, and your physician should be
contacted before using any of the measures outlined here.
Our bodies require a certain amount of fluid intake on a daily
basis to function; the minimum is about equal to four glasses (one
litre). Requirements vary with activity and age, but most active
people need two to three times this basic amount. Basic fluid intake
serves to replace the fluids, which are required to perform our
normal bodily functions. If we take in less or more fluid than is
needed, the end result is dehydration.
Excessive loss of fluid through the intestinal tract can happen
when the intestine is “inflamed” or damaged, or when bacteria or
viruses cause the lining of the intestine to produce more fluid
than can be absorbed.
A decrease in oral liquid intake may be due to nausea or loss of
appetite; this may be worsened by an inability to keep things down
(vomiting). Medications also can cause an increased fluid loss.
Prior bowel surgery can make a person more susceptible to dehydration.
Severe dehydration can lead to changes in the body’s chemistry,
kidney failure, and can even become life threatening.
The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
If you suspect excessive fluid loss during an illness, your physician
should be notified. In the 1960’s the World Health Organization
(WHO) developed an oral solution containing sugar, which improved
the absorption of salt/water preparations, saving the lives of many
dehydrated persons in remote areas. This solution can be prepared
at home by mixing the following:
1. Table Salt – ¾ teaspoon
2. Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
3. Sugar – 4 teaspoon
4. Orange Juice – 1 cup
5. Water – 1 litre
This beverage can be taken in small, frequent sips, and is often
tolerated in the face of nausea and vomiting. Several commercial
preparations are available, but since their composition varies,
your physician should be contacted to decide which replacement solution
(if any) is best. Changes in the type or amount of fluid replacement
may be needed as symptoms improve. Care must be taken to avoid using
these solutions improperly.
Dehydration in children
Only a physician can diagnose dehydration, but parents can watch
for some obvious signs:
For moderate or severe dehydration, children should be treated
in a hospital or clinic. Moderate dehydration may be treated orally,
while severe dehydration requires intravenous fluids.
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