The prevailing heat wave demands us to beware of dehydration and related heath issues. With that in mind, Daily Mirror spoke to Dr. Waruna Gunathilake to equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to tackle this issue successfully.

Simply, dehydration occurs when the water intake is lower than the water lost from the body. Water is lost from the body as urine, sweat, feces and through other body secretions. These days, due to excessive sweating caused by elevated temperatures, the risk of dehydration has greatly increased. 

Signs of dehydration
According to Dr. Gunathilake dehydration could be detected by several physical,and clinical signs.

•  Dry mouth
•  Reduced urine out put
•  Dry skin
•  Sunken eyes
•  Lackluster skin
•  Reduced skin turgor
•  Concentrated urine

(Healthy urine is colourless, similar to water. However, for a person suffering from dehydration, colour of urine may vary from yellow, orange or brown depending on the severity of the dehydration. Moreover, a cloudy nature could be observed in their urine)

Dizziness ( experienced during later stage)
Mental confusion (experienced during later stage)

Extremes of elevated temperature
Dr. Gunathilake said that there were several ways that extreme elevated temperatures could jeopardize the human body.

•  Heat exhaustion- Body core temperature goes up and cause dehydration. Patient feels fatigued and lifeless.
•  Heat stroke- This is the terminal stage The patient may experience cardiac arrest and collapse. Similar to a stroke.

Dr. Gunathilake emphasised that terminal stages of dehydration may even lead to death.

How to avoid heat catastrophes

•  Adequate intake of fluids
•  Must drink at least 10 glasses/ two liters of water per day
•  Drinking king coconut or coconut water, JEEVANEE or sports drinks is advised in cases of severe dehydration to compensate the loss of electrolytes.
•  Wear white/light coloured loose fitting clothing
•  Seek shade and avoid direct exposure to sun
•  Avoid getting into over-heated cars
•  Operation of fans and air conditioners

Dr. Gunathilake emphasised that these days parents should be mindful to make sure that children drink the adequate amount of water as advised.

In addition he said that elderly are especially prone to dehydration as their sensation for thirst would be reduced due to age. Therefore, their caretakers should especially mindful.