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Fluid imbalance - All Information

Definition of Fluid imbalance:

A fluid imbalance occurs when the level of body fluids is abnormal.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Many illnesses can cause fluid imbalance. A fluid imbalance also can occur after any type of surgery.

It is common to retain large amounts of fluid for several days after surgery (causing swelling of the body). Children may have symptoms of fluid imbalance from diarrhea.

Treatment:

It is important to replace fluids in a child who has diarrhea, but not give the child too many fluids. The child may not need medical supervision.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have signs of dehydration or swelling, in order to prevent more serious complications.

Reviewed last on: 8/2/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Verbalis JG. Posterior Pituitary. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 243.

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