Dehydration-A-Silent-Killer

Dehydration A Silent Killer

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms range from thirst and headaches to severe complications such as kidney problems and even death. While staying hydrated seems straightforward, many underestimate its importance for a healthy life.

Experts stress magnesium’s crucial role in water absorption and advise increasing the intake of magnesium-rich foods. Moreover, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also contribute to hydration. By being aware of dehydration symptoms and taking preventive measures, such as maintaining adequate fluid intake and seeking medical help when needed, one can significantly reduce the risk of death from this silent killer. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene delves into this issue with medical professionals, examining the various health threats it poses.

Renowned British broadcaster and medical journalist Dr Michael Mosley tragically passed away at the age of 67 in June. The esteemed presenter, known for his work with the BBC from 1985 until his untimely death, was found deceased in a remote area of the Greek island of Symi, where he was vacationing with his wife.

Mosley vanished during a walk and was reported missing by his wife. Despite a four-day search, Greek authorities were unable to locate him until his remains were discovered. Subsequent investigations determined that the beloved host of the popular television program “Trust Me, I Am A Doctor” succumbed to natural causes.

The circumstances surrounding Mosley’s death indicate that he became lost and exhausted during his hike. A post-mortem examination supported the conclusion of natural causes, ruling out any foul play.

Dr Mosely’s story resonates with Selamawit Shitiye, a 52-year mother of five, who went to the United States in the first week of June to visit her mom, husband, who was there for an extended vacation, and two of her children attending high school in the US. Four days after her arrival, Selam experienced diarrhoea and was taking homemade solutions. On the fifth day of her arrival, while sitting in the living room of her younger sister’s house for a rest, she felt sleepy and took a nap. Around midday, while her mom was out to bring locally made food from her house, which is within walking distance, Selamawit collapsed while seated. Selam wasn’t active when her mom arrived with the homemade food and approached to give it to her. Her mom initially thought it was a deep sleep, which wasn’t the case. Selam had already lost herself and wasn’t responding to her mom’s repeated attempts to wake her. Disturbed mom called her other daughter, and in minutes, emergency police and Ambulance came to take Selam to the hospital. However, when they check on her, Selam has already passed away. A post-mortem investigation later reveals that the sudden and very untimely death was attributed to Terminal dehydration, the exact cause that took Dr Mosely’s life.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact global death toll solely attributed to dehydration, it’s a significant contributor to mortality rates in many regions. Dehydration is often a symptom or complication of other diseases, such as diarrhoea, which claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of children annually, primarily in developing countries.

Staying hydrated is essential, especially in hot weather or during illness. Drinking plenty of water, consuming hydrating foods, and being aware of the signs of dehydration can help prevent this potentially fatal condition.

One way to prevent heat exhaustion is to stay hydrated by ensuring access to and drinking sufficient non-alcoholic fluids. Many people don’t realize that not consuming enough fluids and losing too much can pose a health threat, leading to dehydration.

Fluids are essential to keep our body healthy. They protect organs and tissues, regulate body temperature, and maintain electrolyte balance. In addition, fluids aid in digestion and help remove waste products through urine, stool, and sweat.

“When thinking about staying hydrated, it’s important to focus on foods that can absorb a lot of water, like a sponge, rather than solely relying on drinking large quantities of water,” said Betelhem Lakew, Nutritionist and founder of LeHem Nutrition counselling. “Magnesium is vital for hydration as it helps with water absorption and maintains fluid balance in the body,” she told EBR. She adds that magnesium supports electrolyte levels, which is crucial for proper hydration. Magnesium-rich foods, such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains (within the husk), can enhance hydration. By checking magnesium levels and ensuring adequate intake, one can further improve water absorption in the body. In addition to this, increasing vegetable and fruit intake can also help stay hydrated.

“During this rainy period, drinking cold water might be less appealing, so opting for hot drinks can aid in staying hydrated,” Betelhem advised. “To check hydration levels, one can see the colour of urine; if it’s bold yellow, it indicates a need to increase water intake.” Dehydration means the loss of water only or needing more water to balance the body’s salt. This phenomenon can happen if a person has a health condition that makes them urinate much more than usual, which means too much water is lost. It can also occur if a person does not drink enough water to make up for what their body usually loses.

Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. According to doctors, “mild dehydration can usually be reversed by consuming more fluids. Moderate cases may require intravenous (IV) fluids to treat. Severe dehydration is a serious medical condition and requires urgent medical attention.”

Several symptoms indicate dehydration. The sensation of thirst is usually one of the first signals that the body needs fluid. Dehydration can also lead to headaches in some people. When dehydrated, the body produces less saliva, so the mouth and tongue may feel dry. Urination is one way that fluid leaves the body. When dehydrated, less fluid will be released, resulting in less urine output. In addition, dehydration may cause the kidneys to retain more fluid, leading to less urination.

Dehydration can lower blood volume and blood pressure. This situation prevents adequate blood flow to the brain and can lead to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. When tissues have fewer of the fluids they need to function, it can result in feelings of tiredness or fatigue.

Untreated or insufficiently treated dehydration can result in serious complications, including heat-related illnesses, kidney problems, and seizures. In extreme cases, dehydration can be fatal to the extent of causing the loss of lives, like in the case of Selamawit and Dr Mosely. Symptoms of severe dehydration in older children and adults include lack of urination, rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, confusion, and fainting. Infants and young children are the age group mostly affected by dehydration. The symptoms in this group include excessive drowsiness or sleepiness, urinating only once or twice per day, wrinkled skin (the skin goes back slowly when pinched on the abdomen) and sunken eyes.

“In children, dehydration is often caused by illnesses like acute gastroenteritis, which contributes to the loss of fluids and electrolytes,” explains Dr. Tinsae Alemayehu, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist consultant. He stated that this is one of the most common causes of paediatric hospitalization and death in Ethiopia, contributing to about five deaths per 1,000 children under five years old by itself. He further added that environmental and behavioural reasons leading to poor fluid intake (hot weather, intense sports, acute illness, etc.) and dehydration related to drugs like diuretics (medications that increase urine production) are among other causes.

It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if one is experiencing symptoms of severe dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose significant amounts of fluids and electrolytes, making it difficult to keep down enough fluids to replace the lost fluids.

Having a fever can lead to dehydration through increased sweating, which causes fluid loss. For this reason, staying for long periods in high temperatures or overdoing physical activity in the heat can increase the risk of dehydration, as in the case of Dr. Mosely. Doctors advise seeking shelter during peak sunny hours because it helps reduce exposure to the heat that causes sweating and loss of body fluids.

When dehydrated, blood volume drops. Blood volume ensures all body parts get enough oxygen and nutrients. If there is severe dehydration, this drop in blood volume can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure, which might even lead to shock.

Dehydration isn’t just about low blood pressure; it can also cause high blood pressure. When dehydrated, the body releases vasopressin, which tightens the blood vessels, raising blood pressure. Staying hydrated helps keep your blood pressure in balance.

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for cellular function. Water is essential for regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and facilitating digestion. At the cellular level, hydration ensures cells can efficiently perform biochemical processes, transport nutrients, and eliminate waste products. Proper hydration supports optimal cellular function, vital for overall health and vitality.

Proper cellular hydration is also crucial in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are critical for nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance within cells. By remaining hydrated, people can help ensure that electrolytes are appropriately regulated. Remaining hydrated will avoid problems like muscle cramps and maintain overall bodily function at an optimal level.

While water and similar fluids are widely available, a lack of proper use can lead to severe health complications. In addition, maintaining personal hygiene and a healthy diet are paramount to remaining hydrated and in good shape.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms include thirst, fatigue, dry mouth, and dizziness. Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure and death.

The two tragic deaths, one of a renowned British journalist and the other of a young Ethiopian mother highlight the deadly consequences of dehydration. Both Dr Michael Mosley and Selamawit Shitiye succumbed to this often-overlooked condition.

Water, an abundantly available and cheap resource, has a substantial metabolic role in the proper functioning of our body. Doctors recommend drinking at least two litres of water daily for a healthy life. EBR


12th Year • Aug 2024 • No. 132

Author

Dr. Brook Genene

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Ethiopian Business Review (EBR). He can be reached at brook.genene@ethiopianbusinessreview.net


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