Dehydration: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of dehydration (fluid deficiency).

Family history

  • Is there a history of frequent kidney disease or diabetes mellitus in your family?

Social history

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • What complaints have you noticed?
  • How long have these changes existed?
  • How often do you need to urinate each day? When did you last urinate?
  • Has the urine changed in color and quantity?
  • Do you have symptoms such as dysphagia, inflammation of the oral mucosa, inflammation of the mucosa of the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus that make drinking difficult?
  • Have you recently had (or does the condition still exist?):
    • A gastrointestinal illness?
    • Vomiting?
    • Diarrhea?
    • Constipation?
    • Urinary tract infections
    • A febrile illness?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Have you noticed any unwanted change in weight?
  • Are you drinking enough? How much have you had to drink today?
    • What type of beverage do you take? Water, lemonade, coffee, black tea, etc.?
    • Do you drink alcohol? If so, what drink or drinks and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you ensure adequate and sufficient fluid replacement after physical work, sports, sauna, etc.?

Self-history

Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)