How to recognise diarrhoeal dehydration? Dr Sanjay Kalra shares early symptoms for the young and old

While diarrhoeal dehydration is a serious health issue, it can be managed if recognised in time. Dr Kalra explains the symptoms to help.

Dehydration, or the excess loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body, can occur for many reasons. It includes prolonged heat exposure and strenuous exercise, inadequate fluid intake, fever and vomiting. However, diarrhoea remains one of the most important causes of the condition, particularly in children.

In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, endocrinologist Dr Sanjay Kalra shared that diarrhoeal dehydration can be both prevented and managed with the help of timely rehydration with oral rehydration solution (ORS), in the formulation recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He went on to share the symptoms that can help an individual detect the start of dehydration in children and the elderly. They are presented as follows.

Symptoms of dehydration in children

Frequent thirst in children can be a sign of dehydration. (Pexel)

“Infants or children are more vulnerable to diarrheal dehydration due to their higher body water composition, faster metabolic rates, and inability to communicate their thirst or get fluids independently,” noted Dr Kalra, warning that the condition becomes worse when coupled with vomiting.

Early symptoms of dehydration in children include:

• Becoming unusually irritable or restless
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes
• Frequent thirst
• Lesser urination

The physician cautioned that fluid loss in children may often be underestimated. “Parents may wait for diarrhoea to stop, and rather than beginning active replacement of fluid and electrolytes, rely only on plain water,” he stated.

Symptoms of dehydration in the elderly

Dr Kalra pointed out that while children carry a particularly high risk of dehydration, so do older adults.

“The sensation of thirst can diminish with age, while physiological reserves may be lower,” he stated. “Chronic illnesses and certain medications, including diuretics, may further affect fluid balance. Mobility limitations or cognitive impairment can also make it harder for some older people to obtain fluids, communicate thirst or recognise that diarrhoea has led to significant fluid loss.”

The symptoms of dehydration that can be seen among them include:

• Sudden decline in alertness
• Growing weakness
• Dizzness
• Marked reduction in urine output

The utility of ORS

ORS helps replace the water and electrolytes that are lost as a result of diarrhoea.

In the words of Dr Kalra, “For diarrhoeal dehydration, WHO-approved ORS is the gold-standard first-line treatment. ORS contains sugar and electrolytes in carefully determined proportions. Glucose helps the intestine absorb sodium, and water follows. This absorption mechanism continues to work during most episodes of acute diarrhoea, allowing ORS to replace the water and salts being lost in stools.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Dr Sanjay Kalra is an endocrinologist and consultant at Bharti Hospital in Karnal, Haryana.