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Suggest Treatment For Dehydration Due To Profuse Sweating

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Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014
Question: I was visiting with a friend on a very hot afternoon . Her A/C was broken, so I began to sweat profusly and I continued to do so during the entire 2 hour visit. When I got into my car to leave, I finished a bottle of water I had left in the car. Upon arriving home I felt feverish, extreamly thirsty, had a major headache. I laid down and later all my joints began to ache and my muscules were begining to feel sore and cramping up. A friend of mine said I was propably very dehydrated and had depleted my potassium level with the excessive sweating. I have been drinking large amounts of water and eating potassium (banannas, etc.). Did my friend give me good advice and am I doing the right things to feel better. How long will these feelings last?
Am I doing all I can to rehydrated myself and to raise my potassium level?
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dehydration or a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have provided, you are most likely suffering from significant dehydration. You are taking the correct measures. Drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated drinks. Taken Tylenol for your headache. Rest as much as possible. Profuse sweating does not cause a potassium lost but bananas will not do you any harm. With these measures, you should feel better in 24 hours.
If you do not improve, then you may possibly be developing the symptoms of a viral infection which has coincidentally started at the same time. The initial self-help treatment for this would be the same as for dehydration so I suggest you continue. If you still feel ill after a few days then see your doctor for assessment and investigation.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dehydration Due To Profuse Sweating

Brief Answer: Dehydration or a viral infection. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have provided, you are most likely suffering from significant dehydration. You are taking the correct measures. Drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated drinks. Taken Tylenol for your headache. Rest as much as possible. Profuse sweating does not cause a potassium lost but bananas will not do you any harm. With these measures, you should feel better in 24 hours. If you do not improve, then you may possibly be developing the symptoms of a viral infection which has coincidentally started at the same time. The initial self-help treatment for this would be the same as for dehydration so I suggest you continue. If you still feel ill after a few days then see your doctor for assessment and investigation. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger