The lack of adequate body fluids needed for the body to carry on normal functions at an optimal level. Dehydration can be caused by fluid loss (through vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination), inadequate intake, or a combination of both. The most common cause of dehydration in infants and children is acute gastroenteritis with its associated vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage of body weight lost during the acute illness.

If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization.

Causes of dehydration include excessive fluid losses due to excessive sweating, inadequate fluid intake, or a combination of these factors.

In most cases malnutrition and dehydration are completely preventable. Nursing homes are required to assess patients for risk of malnutrition and dehydration and to develop a comprehensive care plan to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. The care plan should address the risk of malnutrition and dehydration and the steps that will be taken by the nursing home to prevent malnutrition and dehydration.

Nursing homes are required under federal regulations to regularly monitor their residents' weight. If a patient is losing weight both the physician and dietician should be notified. The physician will most likely order lab results to assess the patient's nutritional status.

During hot weather and at high altitudes it is important to maintain good hydration by drinking frequently. We recommend bringing at least THREE one quart water bottles to camp with you, or a large bladder and hose system if you prefer. Fresh drinking water is always available at camp near the dining area. Some hikers like to add a powdered supplement to their water to make the taste more appealing and to replace electrolytes.

Hyponatremia (low serum sodium) in a patient taking DDAVP is always due to excessive intake of water. The reason for the excessive intake varies from patient to patient. Sometimes it is due to an abnormality in thirst, but often it has another cause such as the highly publicized and widespread misconception that a high fluid intake is healthy.

People at particular risk of dehydration, and its consequences, are the very young and the elderly. Even physically active healthy children may be at risk during periods of hot weather. They have a relatively greater skin area, so sweat more to keep cool. The elderly will often reduce fluid intake after lunchtime to avoid getting out of bed during the night. The sensation of thirst is often also reduced in elderly people, so they may not always drink enough to replace normal fluid losses.

In addition to the normal amount of absorption taking place in the colon, the body absorbs extra water as needed at a rate the body sets.

The numbers are disturbing: malnutrition and dehydration killed nearly 14,000 patients from 1999-2002.

In addition to filing a complaint with the Department of Health, you should consider contacting us or another lawyer experienced in nursing home litigation to discuss your legal options. Attorneys Carolyn Lavecchia and Josh Silverman are experienced at representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect including malnutrition and dehydration. You are welcome to contact us.

Legs cramps are probably not a sign of dehydration. They are more likely due to over-hydration, which is also a cause of low serum sodium. Again, therefore, I would suggest that your serum sodium (and potassium) be measured while you are having the leg cramps. I had CDI for approximately 13 months and had been using dDAVP My symptoms started 9 weeks after my surgery for a pituitary tumor. I did get dDAVP in the hospital but did not need it when I came home.

Due to the fact that our brains are made up of 75% water, even mild dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue. Moderate levels of dehydration can cause a rise in the body's temperature, create muscle aches, and can lead to heat exhaustion.

The early effects of even mild dehydration are significant for health, well being, performance and learning - and in the long term carry a higher risk of a number of health problems and disease states. These include constipation, continence problems, kidney and urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and some cancers. In some scientific studies, a decrease in cancer risk was specifically associated with water, as opposed to any other fluids.

Water makes up about 80% of the brain and is an essential element in neurological transmissions. Poor hydration adversely affects a child's mental performance and learning ability. Symptoms of mild dehydration may include tiredness, headaches and a feeling not unlike jet lag, as well as reduced alertness and ability to concentrate. Mental performance including memory, attention and concentration can decrease by about 10 per cent, once thirst is felt.

To test your pet for dehydration, pull up the skin on your pets back. If the skin does not readily snap back into place this is a sign of significant dehydration. Another way of evaluating hydration is to feel your pet's gums. Healthy gums or moist and slimy. If they feel sticky (like the back of a post-it note) this indicates significant dehydration as well. Dehydrated pets may need IV fluids or fluids administered under the skin-- call us immediately as this may be an emergency situation.

During hot weather, it is important to drink water frequently. It is strongly recommended that each camper bring at least THREE one-quart water bottles, even if they have never had the need for this before. It is also helpful to have a drinking water storage container at the tent, so that you do not have to use your hiking water bottles to brush your teeth, etc. at the tent.