top of page

By ULY CLINIC

 

DEHYDRATION

​

It refers to the loss of body water, with or without salt at a rate greater than the body can replace it. The cause of dehydration is a combination of physiological and disease processes. Persons at greatest risk for dehydration include persons with diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, diabetes or infections, impaired level status.

  

Types of Dehydrations  

Note: In Severe dehydration there is also oliguria   

  

Investigations

​

  • Blood chemistry (to check electrolytes, especially sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels)

  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

  • Full blood count (FBC)

  • Creatinine

  • Urine specific gravity

​

Other tests may be done to determine the cause of the dehydration (for example, blood sugar level to check for diabetes).

​

Non-Pharmacological

​

Treatment The treatment for minor dehydration often considered the most effective, is drinking water and stopping fluid loss. 

​

Pharmacological Treatment

​

In more severe cases, correction of a dehydrated state is accomplished by the replenishment of necessary water and electrolytes.Oral Rehydration salt (ORS)

OR IV 0.9% Sodium Chloride OR IV Ringers Lactate solution If there is no electrolyte loss; give IV Dextrose solution 5%

 

Note: If the underlying disease condition is diagnosed; treat as per specific condition in guidelines.     

​

Updated on, 26.10.2020

​

​

References

​

1. STG page number 8-9

bottom of page