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Sub-Category:

Severe Dehydration

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Endocrine and Metabolic Emergencies

Sub-category: Fluid and Volume Imbalances

Symptoms:
extreme thirst; dry mucous membranes; sunken eyes; tachycardia; hypotension; reduced urine output; confusion; lethargy

Root Cause:
Excessive fluid loss or inadequate intake leading to significant extracellular volume depletion and impaired organ perfusion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment (skin turgor, mucous membranes), blood tests (elevated hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen), and urine tests (concentrated urine, high specific gravity).

Treatment:
Rapid fluid resuscitation with isotonic crystalloids (e.g., normal saline or lactated Ringer's), correction of electrolyte imbalances, and treatment of underlying cause.

Medications:
IV fluids (normal saline or lactated Ringer's); electrolyte replacement as needed (potassium, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common globally, particularly in cases of severe diarrhea, vomiting, or heat exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diarrhea, vomiting, burns, excessive sweating, and diuretic use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; delayed treatment can lead to shock and multi-organ failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypovolemic shock, acute kidney injury, and electrolyte disturbances.