Ease Common Cold And Cough Symptoms By Tackling Dehydration, Says Doctor

When one is experiencing symptoms of cold and cough, like soreness in the throat, they are unlikely to drink water. It can lead a host of other health issues. Find out how it can be dealt with.

When one suffers from cough and cold, they are also likely to experience dehydration, owing to the fact that the water consumption decreases during this time. Excessive cough, soreness in the throat, watery eyes and nose, and overall irritability may prevent the patient from reaching out for a glass of water, unless absolutely necessary. It may also not register to them that they are thirsty, or that their body is dehydrated and needs replenishment, because of the general discomfort associated with seasonal illnesses.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections And How They Lead To Dehydration

According to Dr Abdul Majid Khan, consultant physician and diabetologist at Olive Hospital, Hyderabad, cold and cough may be allergic in nature. Alternatively, they may be associated with bacterial and/or viral infections that are commonly referred to as upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

The doctor explains that in addition to coughing, a patient may complain of sore throat, fever, muscle pain, runny nose and nasal blockage, and experience fatigue. "What tends to get missed or overlooked during this time are the signs of dehydration."

What Is (Silent) Dehydration?

The doctor explains that dehydration is the depletion of body fluids due to either excessive losses or reduced intake of water, or both. "All types of fluids contain electrolytes. So, fluid loss is always accompanied by electrolyte loss. This is referred to as 'silent dehydration', as one tends to miss it due to lack of awareness. Silent dehydration is a widespread concern. It is also seen in common colds and coughs associated with URTI."

The doctor adds that electrolytes like sodium and chloride help maintain body fluid balance while potassium, calcium and magnesium are involved in proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Fever And Dehydration: What Is The Connect?

"In URTI, fever causes dehydration due to excessive sweating and increased breathing. Further, as the body consumes energy to fight off the infection, its increased energy requirements can lead to energy deficits. Sore throat -- a common initial symptom -- can impair fluid intake. The deficit is further magnified due to inadequate intake of food and fluids, cumulatively leading to fluid electrolyte energy deficits," Dr Khan explains.

Impact Of Fluid, Electrolyte, Energy Losses In URTI

According to the health expert, fluid, electrolyte, and energy deficit in viral infection and URTI can cause muscle pain, cramp and weakness. "In addition to that, dehydration may lead to thickening of secretions that become difficult to clear from the lungs. It may also negatively impact the respiratory system, with symptoms like cough, impaired immunity, delayed recovery, and an increase in chances of recurrent infections."

So, What Is The Solution?

Dr Khan states that susceptibility to muscle cramps increases with the intake of water alone. The consumption of electrolytes along with water, therefore, helps to ease muscle pain and cramps. When one is dealing with an infection or an illness, intake of carbohydrates should be maintained to "protect against breakdown of proteins from muscles for energy". In conditions like fever and other non-diarrheal illnesses, electrolyte drinks with energy can play an important role in recovery.

The doctor concludes by saying that the addition of energy (glucose) to fluid and electrolyte drinks can address energy needs in the body, besides matching a person's taste requirements. "Certain ready-to-serve electrolyte drinks may also contain additional electrolytes or ingredients like magnesium that support muscle function, along with micronutrients like zinc and selenium to support immune function."