Rehydration Essay

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Rehydration, Adult

Rehydration is the replacement of body fluids and minerals (electrolytes) that are lost during dehydration. Dehydration is when there is not enough fluid or water in the body. This happens when you lose more fluids than you take in. Common causes of dehydration include:
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Excessive sweating, such as from heat exposure or exercise.
• Taking medicines that cause the body to lose excess fluid (diuretics).
• Impaired kidney function.
• Not drinking enough fluid.
• Certain illnesses or infections.
• Certain poorly controlled long-term (chronic) illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Symptoms of mild dehydration may include thirst, dry lips and mouth, dry skin,
However, one problem that can happen is taking in too much fluid (overhydration). This is rare. If overhydration happens, it can cause an electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, or a decrease in salt (sodium) levels in the body.

HOW TO REHYDRATE
Follow your health care provider's instructions for rehydration. What you should drink and how much you should drink depends on your condition.
• If directed by your health care provider, drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). This is a drink designed to treat dehydration that is found in pharmacies and retail stores.
○ Make an ORS by following instructions on the package.
○ Start by drinking small amounts, about ½ cup (120 mL) every 5–10 minutes.
○ Slowly increase how much you drink until you have taken the amount recommended by your health care provider.
• Drink enough clear fluids to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. If you were instructed to drink an ORS, start slowly drinking other clear fluids only after you finish the ORS. Drink fluids such as:
○ Water. Do not drink only water, because this can lead to having too little sodium in your body (hyponatremia).
○ Ice
○ Low-calorie sports drinks.
• If you are severely dehydrated, your health care provider may recommend that you receive fluids through an IV tube in the hospital.
• Do not take sodium tablets. This can lead to the condition of having too much sodium in your body (hypernatremia).

EATING WHILE YOU REHYDRATE
Follow your health care provider's instructions about what to eat while you rehydrate. Your health care provider may recommend that you slowly begin eating regular foods in small amounts.
• Eat foods that contain a healthy balance of electrolytes, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach.
• Avoid foods that are greasy or contain a lot of fat or sugar.
In some cases, you may get nutrition through a feeding tube that is passed through your nose and into your stomach (nasogastric tube or NG tube). This may be done if you have uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea.

BEVERAGES TO AVOID
Certain beverages may make dehydration worse. While you rehydrate, avoid:

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