Doctors say people with severe dehydration are susceptible to rare heat-related neurological compilations like cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Doctors say excessive dehydration can also cause blood clots in the brain, even as many hospitals in Mumbai have already received about eight to 10 patients with such dangerous health conditions.
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What is dehydration and what causes it?
Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, breathing, urine, and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. But when you become sick with fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting, dehydration happens.
Dehydration is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts, such as sodium and potassium. Symptoms of dehydration include:
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Thirst
- Less-frequent urination
- Dryness on skin
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Dizziness and confusion
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
How does dehydration cause blood clots?
Doctors say people with severe dehydration are susceptible to rare heat-related neurological compilations like cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or venous blood clots of the major veins in the brain.
Blood carries oxygen and other important nutrients to the brain. The brain needs oxygen to survive. When veins are blocked, the pressure in the veins backs up, making it harder for blood to flow freely to brain tissue.
If a part of the brain does not receive oxygen from the blood for a certain period of time, the tissue in that part of the brain will become damaged or die.
Other possible reasons that cause or trigger conditions leading to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis include:
- Heart disease
- Blood clotting disorders
- Serious infections
Ear infection- Cancer and cancer treatments
- Immune system diseases including inflammatory bowel disease
- Head and neck surgery
- Accidents involving the head and neck region
Birth control pills in teenage girls
Ways to prevent dehydration in summer
Here are some simple ways to keep dehydration at bay:
- Whenever you feel thirsty, drink water
- Increase your water intake after exercise and workouts
- Bring in extra electrolytes
- Drink more water when you are sick
- Eat foods with high amounts of water like fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid or limit drinks with caffeine like coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- Avoid or limit drinks with alcohol.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
