The human body needs water and other fluids to perform all its normal functions. When you lose or use more fluids than you consume, dehydration results. If you don’t replace the lost fluids, your short and long-term health could be compromised. sometimes dehydration is due to very simple things like being forgetting to drink because you’re busy or you’re not feeling well. However, it can also be due to:
- The higher your fever, the more dehydrated you’re likely to be.
- Diarrhea and vomiting. Sudden, violent diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of water and electrolytes in a short space of time. If you’re vomiting as well, you’ll lose even larger amounts of fluids and minerals.
- Excessive urination. If you have uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes or you’re taking diuretics or some blood pressure medications, you’ll need to urinate more.
- Excessive sweating. If you exercise or engage in other physical activity and you don’t replace the fluids as you go, dehydration is the natural result. If the weather is warm and humid, you’ll lose even more fluids.
Effects of Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to a range of serious complications, including:
- Urinary and kidney issues. If dehydration is prolonged or repeated, it can result in urinary tract infections, kidney stones and in severe cases, kidney failure.
- Electrolytes like potassium and sodium assist in carrying electrical signals between cells. If you have low levels of these minerals in your body, the signals can get mixed up. This can lead to uncontrolled muscle contractions and possibly a loss of consciousness.
- Heat injury. If you’re engaged in physical activity and you’re sweating a lot without drinking enough, you may experience mild cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
- Hypovolemic shock. This occurs when low blood volume causes blood pressure and the amount of oxygen in the body to drop. It can be life-threatening.
Treating Dehydration with IV Therapy
Mild cases of dehydration can be addressed by drinking water, sports drinks or rehydration solutions. However, moderate to severe cases may require IV therapy. There is only so much fluid one can drink quickly before beginning to feel ill. If you’re already unwell, drinking a lot will be difficult. Intravenous drips are a much more effective way of giving the body the fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients it needs.
Since the solution bypasses the digestive system, you’ll begin to feel the effects almost right away. Whether you’re an athlete, a festival goer, or an extremely busy professional, IV therapy can make you feel like yourself again when you’re dehydrated. Contact IVMeNow to learn about our mobile hydration therapy services in South Florida.
