Diseases That Cause Dehydration In Adults

Diseases That Cause Dehydration In Adults

Last updated on March 6, 2024 | Reviewed by Dr Syra Hanif

Diseases That Cause Dehydration In Adults

Summer is right around the corner, and staying hydrated becomes a significant challenge in the upcoming season. While many recognize its importance, only a few maintain adequate hydration.

There are various factors that contribute to dehydration, including poor diet, irregular drinking habits, and even certain health conditions. In today’s blog we will list and discuss some of the common diseases that cause dehydration in adults.

Diseases That Cause Dehydration in Adults

Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to dehydration because high blood sugar levels prompt the kidneys to filter and absorb excess glucose. When the kidneys can’t keep up, the glucose is excreted through urine, dragging the fluids from the tissues along with them, leading to increased urination.

This process not only removes sugar but also a significant amount of water from the body, making it difficult to stay hydrated. If not managed properly, this cycle of high blood sugar and frequent urination can quickly lead to dehydration, making it crucial for individuals with diabetes to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and maintain sufficient fluid intake.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can lead to dehydration because damaged kidneys may not be able to balance water and electrolytes properly. Normally, kidneys adjust the body’s fluid levels, but when they’re impaired, they might not conserve water as efficiently, leading to increased urine production and dehydration.

Furthermore, kidney disease can affect thirst mechanisms, potentially reducing the urge to drink water, and increasing the risk of dehydration. This decreased ability to manage water and electrolyte balance makes maintaining adequate hydration challenging for individuals with kidney disease.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel condition, inflames the digestive tract, causing symptoms that include diarrhea. It can make drinking water uncomfortable, so people might not drink enough. Also, if someone has had surgery to remove part of their gut, it can be hard for them to absorb water properly.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the adrenal glands, which regulate hormones like cortisol and aldosterone that are essential for stress response, blood pressure, and mineral balance. This disease leads to a deficiency in these hormones, causing symptoms like dehydration due to aldosterone’s role in managing water and electrolytes. As aldosterone levels drop, the body loses sodium and retains potassium, leading to increased fluid loss and thirst. 

Management involves drinking plenty of fluids, including sports drinks, and increasing salt intake to offset the hormonal imbalance. Monitoring for dehydration signs is crucial, and severe cases may require medical intervention, including IV fluids.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, can cause dehydration due to inadequate intake of fluids and nutrients, and in the case of bulimia, through the loss of fluids from vomiting. These behaviors can disrupt the body’s natural balance of electrolytes and fluids. 

With anorexia, the reduced food intake often leads to insufficient fluid consumption. In bulimia, the cycle of binging and purging can lead to significant fluid loss. Both conditions can impair the body’s ability to maintain hydration levels, leading to dehydration. This dehydration can then increase the physical health risks associated with eating disorders.

Treating Dehydration with IV Treatment

There are several diseases that increase dehydration risk, but solutions like increased water intake and IV hydration therapy can help manage it. For conditions affecting the digestive system or for severely weakened patients, drinking water might not suffice, making IV therapy a more effective option – as it delivers fluids and essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream. 

This method quickly replenishes fluids without straining the patient, especially when oral hydration is challenging or insufficient. Proper hydration strategies, including IV therapy, can mitigate dehydration risks associated with various diseases, making optimal hydration achievable.

Conclusion

Rehydrate yourself with Manhattan IV Therapy. Our professional healthcare providers deliver treatments directly to you, offering rapid relief from symptoms like headaches and fatigue due to dehydration. 

Book your appointment today!

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