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How to prevent Dehydration in elderly?

Raj Pusuluri

How much water do we need in a day?

You probably have heard all sorts of advice about how much water you should drink to stay hydrated. Well, here is a simple answer: The amount of water in your body depends on two things: how much you weigh and how active you are. In this article you will be able to learn about how one gets dehydrated? What are the signs and symptoms and how much water to drink to prevent dehydration.

What is dehydration?

Since every cell in your body uses some water to perform various functions (like removing toxins), this constant loss of water causes dehydration. To make things simple, think of “water” as the amount left in your body after some processes like sweating and urination have taken place. When you exercise intensely, you sweat more and urinate more frequently increasing risk of dehydration.

Sometimes dehydration is not a medical emergency, but rather just a nasty symptom. If someone does not drink enough fluids during the day

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalizations in elderly. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) is on of the high risk factors of dehydration, Low BP, Weakness are also the most common signs and symptoms.

What are Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration?

  • Extreme thirst
  • Less frequent urination
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

Mayo clinic has an excellent list of signs and symptoms CLICK HERE

How much water to drink a day?

You might have heard of many different answer. 4-6 glasses a day, 6-8 glass a day, 2 liters day? Here is a simple answer that I have included in this less than 60 second video.

How to manage pain at home using Ice pack and Heating pad? CLICK HERE