Hypotonic Dehydration
What is Hypotonic Dehydration?
Hypotonic dehydration is a type of dehydration that is caused when a person does not get enough fluids, or their body loses a high amount of fluids without being replaced. It occurs when the amount of water in the body is greater than the amount of solutes or electrolytes, resulting in an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes.
Symptoms of Hypotonic Dehydration
Symptoms of hypotonic dehydration include:
- Dry lips and skin
- Dark urine
- Headache
- Light-headedness
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Decreased urination
Causes of Hypotonic Dehydration
Hypotonic dehydration is most often caused by inadequate fluid intake or with the excessive loss of water and electrolytes through vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and more. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, that cause excessive water loss from the body.
Treatment of Hypotonic Dehydration
The treatment of hypotonic dehydration shouldinclude replacing the lost fluids and electrolytes. The amount of fluids and electrolytes that need to be replaced will depend on the severity of the dehydration and any underlying medical condition. Treatment will also depend on the cause of the dehydration. It is important to seek medical help if the dehydration is severe or if there is an underlying medical condition. If the dehydration is mild, increasing fluid intake with oral rehydration solutions may be enough to address the dehydration.