Drinking plenty of fluids is vital, especially in the summer when dehydration is more prone to occur. But did you know that body temperature can be affected due to dehydration? We’ll learn the connection between dehydration and body temperature in this blog article and offer some advice on staying hydrated.
What Is Dehydration?
When someone loses more fluid than they consume, dehydration sets in. Water is necessary for human life because it makes up two-thirds of the human body. Water greatly impacts how the body works, helping with digestion, lubricating the joints, and getting rid of toxins to maintain good skin.
Types of Dehydration
According to healthdirect, they differentiate the signs and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration from severe dehydration. Here are the signs and symptoms.
If you have mild to moderate dehydration, you might:
- be thirsty
- have a dry mouth, lips, and tongue
- have a headache
- have dark yellow urine
- be dizzy or light-headed, particularly when standing up
Severe dehydration is life-threatening and needs immediate attention. If you have severe dehydration, you might:
- be extremely thirsty
- have a very dry mouth
- be breathing fast (Tachypnea)
- have a weak, rapid heart rate
- low blood pressure
- have a fever
- have little or no urine
- be irritable, drowsy, or confused
- cold, clammy skin (wet)
- loss of consciousness
Causes of Dehydration
Here are the usual reasons why people get dehydrated:
- after strenuous exercise, especially in hot weather
- after severe vomiting or diarrhea
- with a fever
- after drinking too much alcohol
- while taking certain medicines such as diuretics
- as a complication of diabetes
- if they don’t drink enough water
- Anyone may become dehydrated, but babies, young children, older adults, and people with long-term illnesses are at the most risk.
People at Risk of Dehydration
Not only people who are exposed to the sun directly are at risk for dehydration. In fact, among the sportsmen who frequently experience the disease are bodybuilders and swimmers. As strange as it may seem, you can perspire while swimming. Swimming causes swimmers to sweat a lot.
Dehydration is more likely to affect some persons than others, including:
- people working outdoors who are exposed to excessive amounts of heat (welders, landscapers, construction workers, and mechanics)
- older adults
- people with chronic conditions
- athletes (especially runners, cyclists, and soccer players)
- infants and young children
- people who reside in high altitudes
Children and older adults should receive immediate treatment, even if they’re experiencing symptoms of mild dehydration.
Seek immediate medical attention if anyone of any age group exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- severe diarrhoea
- blood in the stool
- diarrhoea for 3 or more days
- inability to keep fluids down
- disorientation
Treatment of Dehydration
According to Mayo Clinic, the only effective dehydration treatment is replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, its severity, and its cause.
Use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution for infants and kids dehydrated due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever. These solutions restore fluids and electrolytes by combining water and salt in a precise ratio.
Every one to five minutes, start with roughly a teaspoon (5 millilitres) and gradually increase as tolerated. For very young children, using a syringe could be simpler. Dilute sports drinks for older kids—mix 1 part water with 1 part sports drink.
Most individuals who experience mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever can get better by consuming more water or other liquids. Full-strength fruit juice and soft beverages may make diarrhoea worse.
Cool water is your best bet if you work or exercise outdoors during hot or humid weather. Electrolyte- and carbohydrate-containing sports drinks may also be beneficial.
Severely dehydrated children and adults should receive medical attention from emergency workers who arrive in an ambulance or a hospital emergency department. Intravenously administered salts and fluids have a quick absorption rate and hasten healing.
Prevention of Dehydration
According to EVERYDAYHEALTH, here are the ways to prevent dehydration:Â
- Keep an eye out for any signs of dehydration.
- When thirst hits, respond to it.
- Check your urine colour for signs that you’re dehydrated.
- Examine the inside of your mouth for signs of dehydration.
- Be sure to increase your intake when exercising.
- Drink more water when you’re sick or in hot weather.
- Know if you’re in a high-risk group for dehydration.
Where to Study First Aid Tips
You can manage when someone has dehydration. You can better control it by identifying the symptoms and signs early. If you are interested in enrolling in a first aid course in Brisbane, contact CPR First Aid for more information.
CPR First aid courses and training are open to all since emergencies like dehydration complications can happen at any age, anywhere in Australia. HLTAID010 Provide an emergency first aid response is one of our popular courses. Contact us anytime for your queries.
RTO No. 21903: CPR First Aid was founded in 2007. We specialise in providing first aid training in CPR, asthma, and anaphylaxis for various workplaces, including childcare, schools, and other industries in NSW, VIC, SA, WA, and QLD. We are a Registered Training Organisation with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (No 21903). Our courses and Units are VET-accredited for workplaces in Australia.
Conclusion
It is unclear exactly how low body temperature and dehydration are related. Dehydration, on the other hand, is thought to make your body lose heat more quickly. Body temperature may decline as a result of this. Dehydration might also make it harder for your body to control its temperature. It implies that you could experience chilly even though the environment around you is warm. You should get medical help immediately if you suspect you may be dehydrated. Do not handle dehydration lightly. Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. We are grateful for your time in reading this blog.
