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In older adults, thirst is not the best way to know how much water you need.
A better way to check is to look at your urine. Clear or light-colored urine means you’re getting enough water. Dark yellow urine may mean you’re dehydrated. One 1000 mL bag of saline and electrolytes (also called a Lactated Ringer) is the same as drinking 2.5 gallons of water. A Lactated Ringer is the best way to battle dehydration. Under the experienced medical supervision of RN Hydrocare Providers, we can help older patients recover quickly from the dehydration.
IV Hydration Treatment for Aging
Dehydration becomes more common as we age. For instance, studies show that 40% of older adults are chronically dehydrated. However, doctors have a hard time diagnosing them. As a result, many cases are left untreated.
Dehydration and Aging
Aging makes people more prone to dehydration for three main reasons:
- Less water storage
- Weaker thirst response (unaware that you’re thirsty)
- Decrease in kidney functions (release more water in urine)
In spite of this, there are other causes of dehydration due to aging. They include:
- Medications
Prescription medications have side effects that could cause dehydration. For example, blood pressure medications flush out excess fluids. Other medications may cause sweating, diarrhea, or frequent urination. - Limited Mobility
As we age, we start losing our ability to move. When people can’t move as easily, they may not be able to get themselves a drink. This usually leads to reliance on a caregiver. - Cognitive Impairment
As you age, you may start having a difficult time remembering things. Drinking water or any fluids at all may fully slip your mind. Also, a weakened thirst response may be the reason. This causes you to not recognize when you’re thirsty. - Health Conditions
Diabetes and kidney disease become very common as we age. Both diseases cause an increased risk of dehydration. Infections, especially with a fever, can also lead to dehydration. - Diet
Most people get the majority of their fluids from food. However, some people may not eat enough in general or because of a restricted diet. As a result, how and what they eat increases their risk of not getting enough fluids. - Underdiagnosis
Doctors do not recognize dehydration in older patients. They must first rule out the many potential conditions that come with age. This usually causes worsening symptoms that lead to a medical emergency.
Dehydration Symptoms As We Age
With all the changes that our bodies go through as we age, it is no surprise that doctors underdiagnose dehydration. Mild and moderate dehydration symptoms include:
Fatigue- Dry Mouth
- Reduced Urination
- Darker Urine
- Dizziness/ Lightheadedness
- Sunken Eyes
- Muscle Cramps
If left untreated, dehydration may become severe. Symptoms include:
- Trouble with Walking and Balance
- Disorientation
- Dizzy Spells and Fainting
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
Chronic or severe dehydration increases the risk of other complications in older adults. Sometimes, this can be fatal. Complications include:
These symptoms do not always mean you are dehydrated. They could also indicate other common medical conditions in older adults. The only way to know if you are dehydrated is to receive fluids and see if your symptoms improve. However, a blood test and a physical exam may be needed for a full medical diagnosis.
Benefits of IV Hydration Treatment for Aging
Usually, older patients with dehydration recover once they drink enough fluids. However, IV Hydration Treatment may be necessary if patients experience:
- Severe or Chronic Dehydration
IV Hydration Treatments flow through the digestive system faster than taking in fluids orally. The result is a faster recovery time. This type of treatment is critical when dehydration becomes a medical emergency. - Inability to Drink
Patients with limited mobility benefit greatly from IV Hydration. Physical weakness, inability to sit, or difficulty swallowing makes drinking hard. Sometimes, patients who cannot eat or drink orally are placed on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN provides fluids and nutrients through an IV and a speedy recovery.
IV Hydration impacts your overall health. Patients have:
- A Faster Recovery from Other Conditions
Dehydration damages your body. As a result, plenty of fluids are needed for recovering and restoring normal bodily functions. If an infection causes you to lose fluids, then IV Hydration can also speed up your recovery time. - Overall Health Benefits
Hydration is critical because of its involvement with most bodily functions. Once your hydration levels are healthy, your digestive health improves. Additionally, your risk of other conditions like: constipation, coronary disease, falling, etc. decreases. Also, being hydrated can decrease the risk of bladder cancer in men and colorectal cancer.
Overall, older people commonly experience dehydration. Sadly, doctors have a difficult time diagnosing them. Look out for common symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, and darker urine. However, when difficulty walking, disorientation, and fainting begin, dehydration becomes a medical emergency. IV Hydration is used for severe dehydration. This treatment speeds up the recovery from dehydration and previous conditions. Luckily, our IV Hydration Treatments relieve the pains that come as we grow older. Get revidalized, no matter your age!
