Types of Dehydration
Notwithstanding the common notion, dehydration is not only the loss of hydration of the body, but can also result from loss of electrolytes. Depending upon the proportion of loss of water, and electrolytes in different incidences, dehydration can be subdivided into three types [2]
- Isotonic dehydration: in cases where the loss of water and electrolytes, mainly sodium is in proportion, it is called isotonic dehydration. This is seen in cases of vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and burns.
- Hypertonic dehydration: in situations where the loss of water is far greater than the loss of sodium, the disturbed balance of tonicity in the body is called hypertonic dehydration. This is commonly associated with diabetes insipidus, fever and high breathing rate.
- Hypotonic dehydration: this type accounts for the preferential loss of sodium and other ions compared to water.