During spring, when the temperature difference between day and night is large and physical activity increases, the risk of fluid loss in the body becomes greater, requiring special attention to health management.
As temperatures rise, sweat gland activity increases and perspiration becomes more frequent. The significant temperature fluctuations also cause the body to use more energy to maintain body temperature, resulting in further fluid loss. If symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, or mouth breathing due to allergic rhinitis or respiratory diseases are added, fluid loss can become even more severe.
In summer, people naturally replenish fluids because they feel thirsty due to the heat. However, in spring, it is easy to neglect proper hydration.
Water makes up about 70% of the human body and plays a crucial role in ensuring each organ functions properly. More than 1 liter of fluid is lost daily through sweat, urine, and breathing, and these losses must be replenished through food and water intake.
The required amount of fluid varies depending on an individual's health status, age, activity level, and weather conditions, but in general, it is recommended to consume body weight (kg) × 30ml of fluids per day. If you do not consume enough fluids for various reasons, dehydration can occur, which can negatively impact your health.
The kidneys, in particular, play a key role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance and filtering waste products. When dehydrated, the kidneys are under greater stress to maintain their function. If adequate fluid is not supplied, blood volume decreases, and blood flow to the kidneys is reduced. As a result, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) drops, and the ability to excrete waste products declines rapidly.
If waste products such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen accumulate in the body, symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea may occur. Fluid retention in the body can also cause swelling in areas such as the face, abdomen, and legs.
If electrolyte imbalance affects potassium or sodium levels, it can lead to hyperkalemia or hypernatremia, which can impact the heart and cause arrhythmias. Excess salt and water retention can also cause persistent high blood pressure, leading to a vicious cycle of worsening kidney function.
If reduced blood flow persists for a long period, it can lead to acute kidney injury. If left untreated, this can progress to chronic kidney failure, which in severe cases can be life-threatening.
Those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or who are elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration in spring due to weakened kidney function or impaired ability to regulate fluid in the body, so careful management is necessary.
Lee Gahee, director of the Artificial Kidney Center at Daedong Hospital (nephrology specialist), emphasized, "Spring is a season when fluid loss can easily occur due to weather changes and increased activity. People may be less attentive to hydration compared to summer, when heat is more directly felt, so extra caution is needed. Since kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages and is often detected late, it is very important to practice preventive measures for kidney health in daily life."
To ensure proper hydration, it is important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Rather than drinking a large amount at once, it is better to drink small amounts frequently. When exercising, fluid is lost through sweat, so it is necessary to replenish fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
In addition to water, it is good to consume foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. However, drinks containing caffeine or alcohol should be avoided as they have a diuretic effect and may cause further fluid loss.
If your body lacks water, you may experience a dry mouth and tongue, thirst, decreased urine output, darker urine, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and nausea. If these symptoms appear, pay attention to fluid intake, and if symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to visit a medical institution for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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