When are fluid requirements increased?

Whenever there are increased fluid losses from the body, water intake must be increased to replace it. Losses may occur through:

• the skin from increased sweating, or after sun damage, especially burns
• the lungs; such as hot dry conditions, air conditioning
• the nose through continual or heavy discharge of mucus
• the gastrointestinal tract; by vomiting, diarrhoea or laxative abuse
• urine; e.g. with the use of diuretics
• blood loss
• milk secretion in breast feeding mothers

Fluid requirements are also increased when losing weight(intentionally or not) and when certain foods and drinks are consumed, espacially when there is a high intake of salt, fiber, protein, caffeine, or alcohol.

Increased fluid intake is also needed for people suffering from such disorders as

• chronic constipation
• chronic diarrhoea
• chronic pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis
• gout
• kidney stones
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus