Anatom3DDehydration & electrolyte disorders
Dehydratio et dysbalantia electrolytica · Dehydratace a poruchy minerálů
What it is
Too little water or the wrong salt balance — quietly dangerous in the very young and very old.
Symptoms & signs
- Thirst
- dark urine
- dizziness
- confusion
- dry mouth
- reduced skin turgor
- cramps
- arrhythmias with potassium shifts
🚩 Get help if…
- call 112 / 911 now Confused, very drowsy or fainting
- call 112 / 911 now Cold hands, fast breathing, or no urine for 12 hours
- see a doctor soon Vomiting and cannot keep any fluids down
- see a doctor soon Muscle cramps, twitches or a racing heart
Where it strikes
Medical treatment
- Oral rehydration solution
- IV fluids if severe
- correct sodium slowly (rapid correction is dangerous)
- treat the cause
Natural & lifestyle
- Regular fluid intake
- electrolyte drinks during heavy sweating
- caution with diuretics in heat
- monitor elderly during heatwaves
Emerging & experimental
- Point-of-care ultrasound for volume status
- wearable hydration sensors
Alternative, off-label & anecdotal
Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.
- Coconut water — rehydrates in mild cases; too little sodium for severe losses early / small studies
- Alkaline and 'structured' water — no evidence anecdotal / traditional
ICD codes
- ICD-10 E86
- ICD-11 5C70 Volume depletion