Dehydration and fever: symptoms, causes, prevention and quick solutions
Fever is a common symptom of many diseases because it is an effective mechanism of the body to eliminate intruders. But is it a symptom of dehydration ? And in what cases can these two phenomena appear together? This is what we will discover in this article!
Dehydration and fever: symptoms, causes and solutions
Dehydration refers to a situation in which the body is deficient in water . Since water is essential for many organs in the body, dehydration is quickly felt through signs such as fatigue, cramps , reduced physical and mental performance, etc.
Dehydration often occurs when a significant loss of fluid , particularly due to increased sweating, occurs over a short period of time, such as during episodes of diarrhea , vomiting , or after a very intense exercise session. In adults and children , this water loss can quickly become problematic if it is not replaced.
Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to dehydration because water is very important to them. In their case, it often occurs due to illnesses that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, such as gastroenteritis . It can also occur as a result of insufficient hydration in hot weather.
Fever and dehydration: a complex relationship
Does dehydration cause fever?
In cases of severe dehydration , a slight fever may develop, but this is far from being one of the most common symptoms.
If fever and dehydration are concomitant, it is more likely that the former is the cause of the latter, as a symptom of an illness that can cause significant water loss such as gastroenteritis or by causing significant losses through sweating .
Does heat cause fever?
Heat in itself does not cause fever but it inevitably leads to an increase in body temperature . If this temperature exceeds 40°C, it can cause sunstroke or heat stroke , which are associated with fever. However, this is not the same as fever caused by an infection because it is caused by the environment and not by the body.
Symptoms of dehydration by age
Symptoms of dehydration can vary greatly depending on the age of the person affected. Those most at risk are the elderly , children and babies.
For healthy adults and adolescents, the most common symptoms are initially thirst , followed by dry lips , darker urine , and fatigue . New symptoms may be added to these in cases of severe dehydration, such as headache , dull, sunken eyes, headaches, and dizziness.
Dehydrated babies may have a sunken fontanelle (soft spot on top of their head), cry without tears, and dry diapers.
How to react to dehydration accompanied by fever?
How to prevent dehydration?
To stay hydrated and prevent dehydration in hot weather, you need to drink regularly and in moderate amounts. It is also important to ensure that the water you drink contains enough electrolytes to compensate for losses, as they play a very important role in the proper functioning of the body.
What to do in case of severe dehydration?
In cases of severe dehydration , it is important to act quickly. First, seek emergency medical attention. The doctor can administer a liquid intravenous (IV) solution containing chloride and sodium to restore electrolyte balance and promote water retention . Then, as soon as the person is able to drink, they can be given an oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is more effective for rehydration than regular water.
What to do in case of moderate dehydration in adults and adolescents?
In cases of moderate dehydration , it is also possible to use a rehydration solution which contains glucose and sodium in order to optimize the absorption of water by the body.
What to do in case of dehydration in infants?
For babies, dehydration is particularly dangerous , so you need to be very attentive to the signs that could indicate a lack of water. If you spot them, you should first contact a doctor as soon as possible and make the baby drink suitable water regularly.
Why use Hydratis lozenges?
A practical and effective solution for hydrating or rehydrating can be to useHydratis tablets . These are specifically designed to optimize the absorption of water by the body and are composed of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, etc.) and trace elements (zinc, manganese) but also sugar. Indeed, sugar and sodium promote the passage of water between the intestine and the blood. They should preferably be taken outside of meals with two to three tablets, up to a maximum of 5 per day.
Fever and dehydration are phenomena that can frequently occur together, particularly in the context of illnesses such as gastroenteritis or after prolonged exposure to heat. To limit health risks, it is essential to adopt simple but crucial actions: maintain regular hydration throughout the day by hydrating yourself in small regular quantities, especially after episodes of vomiting for example or excessive sweating. Do not forget to pay particular attention to vulnerable people such as children and the elderly and invite them to consult a doctor urgently to receive appropriate treatment. Proactive vigilance can make all the difference in preventing these sometimes dangerous situations.
Bibliography:
- MSD Consumer Manual, Dehydration , https://www.msdmanuals.com/en/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/water-balance/dehydration
- Vidal, dehydration and heat stroke, https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/douleurs-fievres/coup-chaleur.html