7 Health Complications Of Dehydration

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7 Health Complications Of Dehydration

When there is a loss of more fluid, our body lacks the body fluids needed to carry out its normal function, leading to dehydration. The normal requirement of fluid daily depends on the individual’s weight. There are many dehydration causes, such as vigorous excessive, intense diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or excessive sweating. There exist many health complications of dehydration, which we will be learning in this article.

The young and elderly are prone to dehydration. It doesn’t occur quickly. It sometimes takes to slowly correct the fluid deficit and let the electrolytes to redistribute themselves in different parts of the body. Whereas, if the rehydration is done sluggishly, then the patient may remain hypotensive and in shock too. If the dehydration is done hurriedly, then water and electrolyte concentration in the cells can be negatively affected.

Dehydration is a familiar word, but we are unaware of the severe complication developed. However, mild dehydration can be reversed by consuming more fluids. Here are some severe health complications of dehydration caused by any underlying disease or excessive fluid loss.

7 Health Complications Of Dehydration

1. Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure
Source: The Conversation

In dehydration, the fluid volume and the body’s blood pressure falls, which decreases the blood flow to vital organs like the kidney. It is the most common occurrence, which can be reversed by treating dehydration early. It is probably a life-threatening problem as the kidney can no longer remove the surplus fluids and waste from the blood.

2. Heat Injury

Heat Injury
Source: Insider

When you exercise vigorously, you end up with a head injury. In heat-related illness, the body tries to cool itself by sweating, which turns into the body’s dehydration. The heat injury ranges from severe from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion and possibly dangerous heatstroke. This heat injury causes dehydration to the extent that the muscles might go into a heat cramps spasm.

3. Swelling Of The Brain

Swelling Of The Brain
Source: TBI Therapy

Swelling of the brain is also known as cerebral edema caused due to swelling or rupturing of the cell. When we consume the fluid after dehydration, the body pulls too much water back into the cells, affecting the brain cells. When the brain cells are damaged, it graves the severe consequences.

4. Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic Shock
Source: Medical News Today

Shock is the most serious and life-threatening complication of dehydration. In the fluid loss, the body’s blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body organ begin to fail. The lower blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure. It can lead to malfunction of the organs, and it may fail, and death can occur.

5. Coma

Coma
Source: PhillyVoice

Severe dehydration may result in a decreased blood supply to the brain, causing confusion and coma. The cells will begin to malfunction as they will dry out. Without appropriate treatment, severe dehydration can be deadly.

6. Electrolyte Abnormalities

Electrolyte Abnormalities
Source: Medical News Today

Important chemicals such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are lost from the body dehydration, which causes electrolyte abnormalities. It also leads to muscle weakness and heart rhythm disturbance. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to electrolyte abnormalities, and a substantial amount of potassium is lost. In dehydration, the kidneys are compensated and normalize the electrolyte levels of the body.

7. Seizures

Seizures
Source: Healthline

Seizures are very dangerous. Seizures are the outcome of electrolyte abnormalities. When the electrolyte balance is disturbed, the electrical signals carried by them are also mixed up. It leads to involuntary muscle contraction and loss of consciousness.

Conclusion

The body’s critical element is water, which keeps the body hydrated that allows the body to function normally. Consuming the required amount of water or fluid daily can help you prevent and reverse mild dehydration. You can keep a bottle or glass of water on hand to stay hydrated, or you can get an IV shot to help restore your body’s fluid levels fast. The severe complication occurs because of the consequences of dehydration or because of the underlying diseases and excessive fluid loss. The medical consultation should treat a severe complication of dehydration.

Read Also: 10 Hydrating Foods To Treat Dehydration Naturally

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