WATER, THIRST & DEHYDRATION

Course overview

Good patient care requires an understanding of basic physiology. However, in a medical culture obsessed with technology, drugs and paperwork, the fundamentals can get lost in the shuffle. This course on Water, Thirst & Dehydration is designed to help healthcare professionals in any discipline understand the physiologic mechanisms that regulate thirst as well as the hormonal, neurologic & environmental factors that influence water consumption and proper hydration. Clinically relevant topics covered in this course include: ?How the sensation of thirst develops. ?Hormonal influences on thirst including vasopressin or antidiurectic hormone and angiotensin II. ?How specific brain regions influence thirst. ?Healthy hydration and water balance in the body. ?Normal kidney function and obligatory water loss. ?The problem with calorically dense beverages. ?The water content of selected foods. ?Causes of polydipsia or excessive thirst. ?Concerns about bottled and tap water. ?Basics regarding electrolytes and kidney functions ?How the body loses water & sodium. ?Practical aspects of hydration & physical activity. The course also includes a basic review of osmolality and osmolarity as well as dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium & chloride, useful for any professional involved in day to day patient care. And, finally, the course provider a concise review of water & thirst consideration in aging, particularly useful for those working in hospital and long-term care environments.