Sickle cell disease: How to stay properly hydrated, reduce dehydration risk

For people living with sickle cell disease, staying adequately hydrated is an important part of reducing the risk of dehydration, which can contribute to painful episodes. The need for adequate fluid intake becomes even more important when the body loses more water through sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. These cells can obstruct small blood vessels and reduce blood flow, contributing to episodes of severe pain. 

Dehydration can make red blood cells more dehydrated and may increase the tendency for sickling.This is why hydration should be part of everyday care rather than something considered only when pain begins.

However, there is no universal rule that every person with sickle cell disease must drink three or four litres of water every day. Fluid requirements differ according to factors such as age, body size, activity, climate and other medical conditions.

In this article, Tribune Online explains how people with sickle cell disease can maintain adequate hydration and when they may need to pay extra attention to fluid replacement.

Drink fluids regularly throughout the day

The simplest way to maintain hydration  is to drink fluids regularly instead of going for long periods without drinking. There is no need to wait until intense thirst develops before taking fluids. Keeping drinking water nearby can make regular intake easier, whether at home, school, work or during travel.

This is to ensure steady fluid intake rather than drinking a very large quantity at once. The amount needed varies from person to person, so an individual’s usual hydration needs should be discussed with a healthcare professional where necessary.

Start the day with fluids

The hydration routine can begin in the morning. After several hours of sleep, drinking some fluid provides an opportunity to start replacing water lost during the night. This does not mean drinking a large volume immediately after waking.

A normal amount of fluid followed by regular intake throughout the day is a more practical approach. People who often forget to drink can link drinking water with established morning activities such as breakfast or getting ready for school or work.

ALSO READ: 4 ways to support a partner or friend living with sickle cell

Increase attention to hydration during heat and exercise

Fluid requirements can rise when the body loses more water than usual.

Hot weather and physical activity can increase sweating, leading to greater fluid loss. Someone working outdoors, exercising or spending several hours in a hot environment therefore needs to pay closer attention to fluid intake.

This does not mean drinking excessive amounts of water. Rather, fluids should be taken regularly and increased appropriately when fluid losses are greater. People who frequently become significantly dehydrated during exercise or physical work should discuss their hydration needs with a healthcare professional.

Replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhoea

Illness can make hydration more difficult. Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose both water and electrolytes. For someone with sickle cell disease, prolonged fluid loss can increase the risk of dehydration.

Drinking may not be enough if vomiting is severe or persistent because fluids may not remain in the body. 

Continued diarrhoea can also result in ongoing fluid and electrolyte losses. Medical advice is important when vomiting or diarrhoea is severe, persistent or makes it difficult to keep fluids down.

Do not force yourself to drink three or four litres

A fixed three-to-four-litre target should not be treated as a standard prescription for everyone with sickle cell disease. A person’s fluid requirement depends on several factors, including body size, age, physical activity, weather and existing medical conditions.

For example, someone spending most of the day in a cool indoor environment may have different fluid needs from someone working outdoors in intense heat. Some medical conditions can also require fluid restriction.

Therefore, forcing down several litres of water simply to meet an internet-based target may be inappropriate. Adequate hydration is the most important thing, not a particular number of litres.

Pay attention to hydration during long journeys

Travel can make regular fluid intake difficult. People may reduce their drinking because of limited access to toilets, forget to drink during a long journey or spend several hours in a hot environment. Planning ahead can help. 

Carrying safe drinking water and taking appropriate drinking breaks can make it easier to maintain normal fluid intake. This is particularly important when travelling in hot weather, where sweating and prolonged exposure to heat can increase fluid loss.

Know when dehydration needs medical attention

There are circumstances in which self-hydration may not be sufficient.

Repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea or an inability to keep fluids down can cause significant dehydration and may require medical assessment.

Other serious symptoms should also not be attributed simply to dehydration. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, confusion or severe pain require prompt medical attention because they can indicate serious complications of sickle cell disease.

Water should support sickle cell care, not delay necessary treatment.

Make hydration fit your daily routine

A useful hydration routine should fit the person’s normal activities. A student can keep drinking water within reach during classes. Someone working outdoors can plan drinking breaks. A person who exercises can pay attention to fluid intake around physical activity.

The routine should also be adjusted when circumstances change, particularly during periods of increased sweating or illness.

Rather than copying another person’s water intake, people with sickle cell disease should focus on maintaining adequate hydration according to their individual needs.