Not enough fluid (dehydration)

If there is too little fluid in the body you may become dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration include:

Your weight may go down quickly from your target weight. Be careful. You maybe losing flesh weight, but this kind of weight loss usually happens over a longer period of time. If there is not enough fluid in your body your blood pressure will fall. You will feel dizzy and faint, especially when you stand up. You may feel nauseous. You may experience muscle cramps and a headache.

Dehydration can be treated by the following measures:

Phone your renal center for advice, especially if you are in any doubt. Dehydration can be harder to detect than fluid overload.
To remain as healthy as possible you must maintain your fluid balance. Weigh yourself each day.
Your target weight may have changed. Check with your nurse, dietitian, or doctor if you are not sure what it is.

Return to your target weight by drinking fluids, but be careful not to drink too much. You want to return to a balanced fluid state. You do not want to become overloaded with fluid.

May 1, 2006

Next: Diet (dialysis)