Defined as the deficiency of fluid in your body that prevents its normal functioning. There is an imbalance between the intake and the output of body fluid, favouring the latter.
Losses can be:
1) Renal: hormone deficiency, intrinsic renal disorders;
2) Extra-renal: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and pulmonary losses, and/or haemorrhages.
The most common symptoms are low blood pressure, feeling thirsty, dry mouth, limited and concentrated urine, cold and dry skin, muscle cramps, headache, and in severe cases irritability, confusion, dizziness, rapid pulse and breathing, apathy, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes and signs of shock.
It is diagnosed by the clinical history, a physical examination and laboratory tests.
The treatment is based off of treating the underlying cause and replacing lost fluid.
- Richard H Sterns, MD. Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of volume depletion in adults. UpToDate. Feb 29, 2016.
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- World Health Organization. Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration salts (ORS) formulation. UNICEF House, New York, NY 2001. Available at: www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/New_Publications/NEWS/Expert_consultation.htm (Accessed on January 18, 2006).
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