The Relationship Between Dehydration and the Development of Pressure Sores, Bed Sores & Decubitus Ulcers

Written by Adam Peck Category: Bed Sores January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Dehydration Can Cause Pressure Sores

The relationship of dehydration to the development of bed sores (or pressure sores, pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcers– whatever you prefer to call them) is quite appalling.

Simply put: Dehydration occurs when a person does not receive enough liquids through eating, drinking or through mechanical intervention such as intravenous fluids or a feeding tube to maintain their optimal physical functioning. When the body is deprived of fluid intake, imbalances in the bodies chemistry occur, resulting in a reduction of blood volume.

Alterations in blood chemistry and reduction in blood volume interfere with essential circulatory issues. As the volume of blood in the body gets reduced, the life sustaining properties of blood to skin and tissue gets reduced.

Without the life sustaining components a properly operating circulatory system provides, tissues, particularly those under pressure from a person’s body weight begin to die.

Particularly in the physically disabled or bed bound, pressure tends to build on areas of the body literally supporting the person’s body weight: the buttocks, sacrum or heels. When the reduced physical capability is coupled with the increase in pressure on areas of the body, bedsores are more likely to occur.

How to ensure your loved one is getting enough fluid?

Only a medical professional can realistically determine what each patient’s fluid intake requires after analyzing the person’s body weight and fluid output. However, a commonly agreed upon starting point for optimal hydration is 1,500 to 2,000 ml (six to eight glasses) of fluid per day– minimum.

Therefore, as a caregiver or just a concerned friend or family member, it is important to recognize that hydration needs and realize the hydration plays a critical role in general well-being and reducing bed sores amongst patients in a nursing home or hospital setting. Consequently, be on the lookout for symptoms of potential dehydration including:

Sunken eyes
Cracked lips
Ashen skin
Rapid decline in cognitive function
Chills
Dark colored urine
Overall physical weakness

When you visit check to:

Ensure fluids are within reach of the patient
Make sure the patient is capable of consuming the fluids– straw, handled cup, etc.
Address hydration needs with an attending physician or nurses– particularly if the patient is incapacitated or in a coma
Always keep a glass of water or juice on the nightstand when you leave.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.