What are the complications of dehydration?
Complications of dehydration may occur because of the dehydration, and/or because of the underlying disease or situation that causes the fluid loss. Kidney failure Kidney failure is a common occurrence, although if it is due to dehydration and is treated early, it is often reversible. As dehydration progresses, the volume of fluid in the intravascular space decreases, and blood pressure may fall. This can decrease blood flow to vital organs like the kidneys, and like any organ with a decreased blood flow; it has the potential to fail to do its job. Coma Decreased blood supply to the brain may cause confusion and even coma. If enough organs begin to malfunction, the body itself may fail, and death can occur. Shock When the fluid loss overwhelms the body’s ability to compensate, blood pressure falls (hypotension) and the patient may go into shock, in which organs in the body may not get enough oxygen to function and thus fail. Heat-related illnesses and associated complications In heat-r
