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Recognizing, treating dehydration is critical to survival

By Walter Mares, Copper Era

Managing Editor

People who have recently moved to the desert may be captivated by its beauty and grandeur. For those from the northwest or eastern United States ,the desert is as different as different can be. They also need to be aware that for all its grandeur, the desert can be deadly.

Arizona natives, and those who have been here for several years, find little solace - or humor - in the expression that “at least it's a dry heat.” Heat can be dangerous, with or without humidity.

Newcomers and natives or long-timers who fail to use common sense often do not know how to recognize when their bodies are in distress due to heat exposure. They also do not know how to deal with a potentially life-threatening condition.

One of the most critical aspects of surviving in the desert is being properly hydrated. Soda pop is not enough. Drink plenty of water, even if not involved in exercise or outdoor activity. It is especially important for those who work or spend time outdoors to stay hydrated with water or sports drinks that replace electrolytes.

According to many medical experts, the rule of thumb for outdoors types is to avoid becoming thirsty in the first place.

The following is information on dehydration that can be highly useful:

What is dehydration?

Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well as being a dangerous side effect of diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?

Under normal conditions, people all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhea or vomiting, or if an individual is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.

Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs such as diuretics, which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause, dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

€ thirst and less-frequent urination

€ dry skin and fatigue

€ light-headedness, dizziness or confusion

€ dry mouth and mucous membranes

€ increased heart rate and breathingIn children, additional symptoms may include:

€ dry mouth and tongue€ no tears when crying

€ no wet diapers for more than three hours

€ sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks

€ high fever, listlessness, irritability

€ skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

Treatment for dehydration:

If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician's guidance. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.

In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes and salt balance.

For moderate dehydration intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple re-hydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

To prevent dehydration:

€ Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.€ Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.

€ Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.

€ Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

€ For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home for children.

Those who think they may be suffering from sunstroke or heatstroke should seek immediate medical attention. Call Gila Health Resources emergency room at 865-9184. If a person is obviously ill after exposure to the sun or has been in a hot indoor setting, call 911.

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 2:10 PM