1.1.1 Dehydration

Dehydration is the condition where fluid loss is greater than fluid intake. Dehydration can be seen as a consequence of bleeding, burns, prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme sweating and use of diuretics (urine-producing drugs). Dehydration can also be caused by endocrine disorders, such as diabetes. In dehydration, fluid from plasma is lost. As the fluid pressure decreases in plasma this is being offset by movement of fluid into the plasma from the  interstitial spaces (where pressure is higher) and then fluid moves out of the cells again because the pressure here is greater. This results in the cells shrinking with the consequent danger of changes in or cessation of cellular functions.