💧 Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment & Important Tests

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Water is essential for regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, maintaining blood pressure, and carrying nutrients. When fluid levels drop, your body cannot function properly.

In hot weather and busy lifestyles, dehydration is very common.

🌡️ Common Causes

• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Not drinking enough water
• Diabetes (frequent urination)
• Heat exposure

⚠️ Symptoms

Mild to Moderate

• Thirst
• Dry mouth
• Dark yellow urine
• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness

Severe (Emergency)

• Very little urination
• Fast heartbeat
• Low BP
• Confusion
• Fainting

🧪 Important Tests for Dehydration

When dehydration becomes severe or frequent, doctors recommend laboratory tests to check fluid balance and organ function.

1️⃣ Serum Electrolytes Test

• Checks Sodium, Potassium, Chloride levels
• Detects electrolyte imbalance
• Very important in severe dehydration

2️⃣ Kidney Function Test (KFT)

• Measures Urea and Creatinine
• Checks whether kidneys are affected
• Dehydration can temporarily increase creatinine levels

3️⃣ Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Evaluates hemoglobin and infection signs
• Helps detect underlying causes like fever or infection

4️⃣ Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

• Elevated BUN may indicate dehydration

5️⃣ Urine Routine Examination

• Checks urine concentration
• Dark and concentrated urine indicates dehydration

6️⃣ Blood Sugar Test

• Important to rule out diabetes
• High sugar can cause frequent urination and dehydration

🩺 Why These Tests Matter?

Ignoring dehydration can lead to:

• Kidney damage
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Low blood pressure
• Heat stroke

Early testing ensures safe recovery and prevents complications.

💦 Treatment

Mild Cases

• Water
• ORS
• Coconut water
• Lemon water

Severe Cases

• IV fluids
• Electrolyte correction under medical supervision

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
• Increase intake in summer
• Eat water-rich fruits
• Avoid excessive caffeine

Dehydration is preventable and treatable—but early diagnosis is important. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor and get the recommended tests done.

Stay hydrated. Stay healthy. 💧