Hypovolemia is the condition caused by loss of blood resulting in reduction in total volume of blood/fluids in the body. It can happen due to accident or any medical condition like internal bleeding. Even diarrhea can dehydrate the body causing intense loss of fluids. Taking diuretic drugs, excess of sweat and lack of adequate fluid in the body can also cause hypovolemia.
Due to loss of fluids/blood, the soft mucous membranes of the body will dry out and subsequently the skin will lose its elasticity becoming hard. The immune system of the body will act immediately for compensating the loss of fluids by increasing the heartbeat, and constricting blood vessels thus sustaining the regular blood flow to vital organs. Eventually blood pressure decreases suddenly causing collapse of heart and tissue damage. The condition of hypovolemia occurs when the body loses adequate blood (1/5) of the total volume. This condition is a medical emergency and has to be treated immediately.
Symptoms :
To begin with the mucous membranes will become dry and the urine output will reduce. The skin becomes rough and loses elasticity. The soft skin layer of the mouth and nose becomes hard and dry. If left untreated and there is continuous loss of fluids it can cause serious symptoms gradually.
Some of the serious Symptoms of hypovolemia are given below:-
Reduction in concentration and concentration level, change in color of the lips and fingernails (becoming pale blue), sharp pain in the chest, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, uncontrolled vomiting (which contributes for further loss of fluids) and internal bleeding are some of the serious symptoms of this disorder.