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Occasionally, we can all experience mild dehydration. Oftentimes, we can easily replenish our bodies with the required fluids and electrolytes. Sometimes, though, dehydration is not that simple. In fact, common signs, such as thirst, are not even present in people with certain medical conditions.
Indeed, there are a number of diseases that directly, or indirectly, increase the risk of dehydration. In this gallery, you'll get to know them. Click on for more.
Fluids are needed for a number of bodily functions. Dehydration occurs when your body loses or uses more fluids than it has and needs.
If left untreated, chronic dehydration can damage several areas of the body, including vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart.
Symptoms of dehydration can include dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, thirst, dry skin, and dry mouth, as well as excessive sweating and urination.
While consuming an adequate amount of fluids is usually enough to keep dehydration at bay, some medical conditions put us at higher risk of dehydration. Let’s take a look at some of these.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. It is triggered by the consumption of gluten.
The body’s immune response attacks the villi (in the small intestine), which can compromise nutrient absorption. This can lead to diarrhea, and, consequently, dehydration.
This chronic autoimmune disorder affects the entire body. The immune system attacks moisture-producing glands and tissues, such as those responsible for producing saliva, tears, and mucus.
Dehydration can occur in people with Sjögren's syndrome, as it affects the body's capacity to regulate fluids and electrolytes.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It triggers inflammation and creates ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine. An overactive immune system is usually the root cause.
The large intestine is crucial for water and electrolyte absorption. If it’s inflamed, the process can be hindered and lead to dehydration. Diarrhea, which is one of the common symptoms, can also contribute to dehydration.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease where a gene mutation affects the function of the CFTR protein. The dysfunction affects the protein’s ability to move chloride (a compound of salt) to the cells, which affects their capacity to attract water. This leads to the mucus to become thicker in various organs, affecting the way they work.
Because of this, people with cystic fibrosis lose more sodium (salt) than the average person. The sensation of thirst is also different in people with the condition, so they may be dehydrated and not have clear signs like thirst to alert them.
This chronic inflammatory bowel disease affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Inflammation often occurs in the small intestine and in a part of the large intestine.
Some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease include diarrhea and vomiting. Both can lead to severe dehydration if untreated.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that interferes with the body's ability to use insulin to convert food into energy. This can lead to excessive amounts of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream.
The kidneys can reabsorb blood sugar, but this is a taxing process, leading to the extra sugar being disposed of through urine. Frequent urination can lead to dehydration.
POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) affects blood circulation. It affects the blood pressure and heart rate when a person rises from a lying or seated position to a standing one.
POTS syndrome also interferes with the body’s ability to retain fluids. Kidney hormones that regulate sodium and fluid retention are often affected, which may lead to dehydration.
Cancer occurs when certain cells mutate, grow, and multiply. These may join together and form tumors. Some types of cancer can affect the body’s ability to retain adequate levels of fluids.
Gastrointestinal cancers, for instance, may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, all of which can lead to dehydration.
Also known as primary adrenal insufficiency and hypercortisolism, this condition affects the adrenal glands. Those with Addison’s disease are unable to produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone.
The hormone aldosterone regulates the balance of electrolytes in the body. Insufficient levels affect water and salt regulation, potentially leading to dehydration.
Gastroenteritis, also colloquially referred to as the “stomach flu,” occurs when there’s an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of this short-term illness, both of which can cause dehydration.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. The condition can speed up the body's metabolism, which may manifest through a higher body temperature.
A higher body temperature can lead to excessive sweating, which can put one at a higher risk of dehydration. A life-threatening condition associated with untreated hyperthyroidism, known as thyroid storm, can also cause severe dehydration.
Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical care. Sweating is one of the symptoms.
Sepsis also causes internal fluid loss, capillary leakage, and sepsis-induced vasodilation. All these can result in dehydration.
Sources: (Verywell Health)
See also: The dangers of dehydration
These medical conditions can put you at risk of dehydration
From diabetes to cancer
FOOD Diseases
Occasionally, we can all experience mild dehydration. Oftentimes, we can easily replenish our bodies with the required fluids and electrolytes. Sometimes, though, dehydration is not that simple. In fact, common signs, such as thirst, are not even present in people with certain medical conditions.
Indeed, there are a number of diseases that directly, or indirectly, increase the risk of dehydration. In this gallery, you'll get to know them. Click on for more.