Dehydration in adults and old people

Abstract

Dehydration is a decrease in total body water, reflected in altered serum sodium, osmolality and BUN elevation. There are three types of dehydration: hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic. The common signs and symtoms of dehydration are: thirst, dry mucous membranes and skin, poor skin turgor, dry tongue with longitudinal furrows, decreased saliva, muscle weakness, weight loss of 3-5% and oliguria. The therapy is based first on fluid replacement in hypovolemic states and after on balancing the hydro-electrolyte disorders with crystalloid solutions according to the Adrogue and Madias formula.