TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Adequate fluid in the body is very important. A hydrated body at least has the ability to fight viruses. Drinking water it also helps oxygenate cells so they will work at full capacity, helping to protect the body against foreign objects that try to enter, then fight them off.
The Dean of FIK UI, Agus Setiawan, said that low hydration status in the weeks prior to exposure to Covid-19 increases the risk of death from Covid-19, through various possible pathways that support fluid accumulation in the lungs. Redant (2020) in his research conveys dehydration This is one of the biggest reasons Covid-19 patients are admitted to the hospital.
“Lack of hydration also causes 52 percent of patients exposed to Covid-19 to become hyperthermic and prolong the length of stay. Adequate hydration is an important component of health at every stage of life,” he said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:
Heat injury
If you don’t drink enough water while exercising vigorously and sweat profusely, you may experience heat injury, ranging from mild heat cramps to exhaustion or a potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
Urinary and kidney problems
Prolonged or repeated dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure.
Seizures
Electrolyte such as potassium and sodium help carry electrical signals from cell to cell. If electrolytes are out of balance, normal electrical messages can mix, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes to loss of consciousness.
Low blood volume shock (hypovolemic shock)
This is one of the most serious and sometimes life-threatening complications of dehydration. This occurs when low blood volume causes a decrease in blood pressure and the amount of oxygen in the body. Signs and symptoms of dehydration may also differ by age.
Baby or small child
-Dry mouth and tongue
-No tears when crying
-No wet diapers for three hours
-Eyes, sunken cheeks
-Concave soft spot on top of skull
-Lateness or irritability
Mature
-Extreme thirst
-Rarely urinate
-Dark urine
-Fatigue
-Dizzy
-Confusion
Causes of dehydration
Diarrhea, vomiting
Severe acute diarrhea, which is diarrhea that comes on suddenly and is severe, can cause a large loss of water and electrolytes in a short period of time. If vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, you lose more fluids and minerals.
Fever
In general, the higher the fever, the more dehydrated you will be. The problem gets worse if you have a fever in addition to diarrhea and vomiting.
Excessive sweating
Loss of water when sweating. If you do strenuous activity and don’t replace the fluids you lose, you could become dehydrated. Hot and humid weather increases the amount of sweat and fluids lost.
Frequent urination
This may be due to undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. Certain medications, such as diuretics and some blood pressure medications, can also cause dehydration, generally because they cause you to urinate more.
Also read: Drinking too much water, check its impact on the body
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