Dehydration is a common side effect of eating disorders and the use of laxatives or purging to lose weight.
Many with eating disorders will have troubles with dehydration. As water adds weight to the body, some sufferers of eating disorders will look for ways to dehydrate themselves, while others will take other actions to spurn water loss through the use of purging or laxatives.
Defining Dehydration in the Body
Dehydration is a common symptom and a physical danger for those with eating disorders. In normal conditions an adult needs about 5 pints of water each day to replace that which is lost by breathing, urinating, exercising and defecating. If this fluid loss is not replaced, dehydration will occur.
There are basically 3 types of dehydration
- Mild – a fluid loss of 5% from the body. Easy to cure and to fix.
- Moderate – a 10% loss of body fluid. This type is of great concern and immediate steps should be taken for re-hydration.
- Severe – about 15% of a person’s body fluid is lost. This dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency. The dehydrated person will generally require hospitalization to bring the normal electrolyte balance back to the body.
Common Causes of Dehydration
The causes of dehydration are the following, but are not limited to:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Sweating
- High fever
- Laxative abuse
- Vomiting (self induced and not)
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Coma
- Confusion
- Decreased urine output
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Severe thirst
- Sunken eyes
- Wrinkled skin
Why is Dehydration Dangerous?
Though it might seem like thirst is a common occurrence, dehydration goes beyond simple thirst. Dehydration can pose both short and long term dangers to your health. Long-term repeated episodes of dehydration can be damaging to your kidneys. Left untreated severe dehydration may result in seizure and/or permanent brain damage. One of the greatest threats of dehydration is death.
How to Prevent Dehydration
In the cases of eating disorders, preventing dehydration begins when you stop the behaviors which might cause water loss – purging, laxative use, not drinking enough water, etc. You should always drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated especially if you are out in the heat or engaging in strenuous exercise activities. Sports drinks are useful in maintaining the proper electrolyte balance in the body. Caffeinated beverages such as soda, tea, coffee and alcohol can be dehydrating. You should to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
Treating Dehydration
Medical attention may be necessary in cases of moderate and severe dehydration. Only your doctor will be able to determine how dehydrated you are through an evaluation. In a case of severe dehydration, it should be treated as a medical emergency and steps to obtain medical treatment should be taken immediately. In severe dehydration, individuals may develop evidence of:
- Absent urine output
- Cool moist extremities
- Diminished consciousness
- Low or undetectable blood pressure
- Shock
Death will result soon if rehydration is not started quickly.
If you suspect mild to severe dehydration, please contact your local emergency services for prompt medical treatment.