HOW IS DEHYDRATION DANGEROUS FOR US?

Dr. EBAD Khan

21-Jan-2023

 

Dehydration can have major negative effects on health, especially in the old and young. It is important to know how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration so that you can treat it immediately. This article will explain how dehydration can be dangerous and what you can do to prevent it.

 

ROLE OF WATER IN MAINTAINING OUR ORGAN SYSTEMS

Water is a vital substance for all organisms and is necessary for proper functioning of our organ systems. Our bodies are made up of between 75% water, so we must maintain a good level of hydration to keep our organs healthy and functioning properly. 
Dehydration can occur when we lose more water than we take in, which can happen through sweating, urination, or even breathing. 
When our bodies become dehydrated, it can lead to several serious health problems, as our organs cannot function properly without enough water. These problems can include:

  • Kidney stones

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Constipation

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness 

In severe cases, it can lead to heat stroke or even death. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding activities that will cause us to sweat excessively. If you are feeling thirsty or lightheaded, these may be signs that you are already dehydrated, so it is important to drink fluids immediately. 
In the following section, I will explain some dangerous effects of dehydration.

 

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, which can be extremely painful. The cramps are caused by the loss of electrolytes, which are essential for muscle function. When your body is dehydrated, your muscles cannot work properly and can spasm or cramp.
Muscle cramps can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most common in the legs. They can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be debilitating. 
Gently stretching the muscle can also help. If the cramp is severe, you may need to seek medical attention.

 

DEPRESSION

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, and it can profoundly impact your health. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of depression, and it can also lead to other health problems. 

  • You may feel tired, cranky, and irritable if you are dehydrated. 

  • You may also have trouble concentrating, and you may be more likely to experience headaches. 

  • If you are already dealing with depression, dehydration can make it harder to cope with your condition.

 

CONSTIPATION

Dehydration can be dangerous for us for several reasons, but one of the most potentially harmful is constipation. 
When dehydrated, our bodies cannot produce enough fluids to keep our bowels moving properly. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in our intestines, which can, in turn, lead to serious health problems. In severe cases, dehydration can even be fatal.

 

HYPERTENSION

High blood pressure, sometimes known as hypertension, is a widespread health problem. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.13 billion people around the world have hypertension. This condition is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal disease.
Dehydration can cause or contribute to hypertension. 

  • When dehydrated, our blood volume decreases and our blood vessels constrict to conserve fluid. 

  • Because there is less room for blood to circulate, the heart needs to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through narrower veins, which raises blood pressure.

  • Dehydration can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, further contributing to hypertension.

If you have hypertension, it is important to stay hydrated. Avoid dehydration by drinking more fluids when sweating or urinating frequently. 

 

KIDNEY STONES

Dehydration can be dangerous for us in many ways, but one of the most serious is kidney stones. Kidney stones are hardened deposits of minerals and acids that form in your kidneys. If they're small enough, they can pass through your urinary tract without causing pain. But if they get too big, they can block the urine flow and cause severe pain.
Kidney stones are more likely to form when you're dehydrated because your urine becomes more concentrated, allowing minerals and acids to precipitate and form stones. So if you're prone to kidney stones, it's important to ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

 

GALLSTONES

Gallstones are one of the most common complications of dehydration. They are small, hard deposits in the gallbladder and can cause severe pain. 

  • Gallstones can block the bile duct and prevent the gallbladder from emptying properly. 

  • This can lead to an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). 

  • Gallstones can also cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. 

  • Dehydration is particularly dangerous for people with gallstones because it can cause the stones to become larger and more painful. 

 

JOINT COMPILATIONS

Dehydration can cause common complications by leaching water from the cartilage in our joints. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. In severe cases, it can even lead to joint damage. 
If you suffer from any joint condition, staying hydrated is important to protect your joints from further damage.

 

REFERENCES

Water, Hydration and Health
Barry M. Popkin, Kristen E. D’Anci, and Irwin H. Rosenberg
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/

 

Hypertension by World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20adults%20with,%2D%20and%20middle%2Dincome%20countries.