The Hidden Danger of Dehydration: A Lesson from Guddu’s Classroom

The Hidden Danger of Dehydration: A Lesson from Guddu’s Classroom

BY: ubaid

Guddu, a cheerful boy in middle school, sat attentively in class with his fellow students, listening to his teacher’s lecture. The quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the room as everyone scribbled notes. Suddenly, a sharp noise broke the rhythm of the lesson — one of Guddu’s classmates vomited and collapsed unconscious on his desk.

The class erupted in shock. Chairs scraped the floor as a few boys rushed to lift their friend and carry him to the school clinic. Guddu, alarmed, followed closely behind.

Inside the clinic, the school doctor acted swiftly. He laid the boy under the fan, unbuttoned his shirt, and began dabbing his body with a wet towel to cool him down. Moments later, the boy regained consciousness.

“Give him water,” the doctor instructed. He handed over a glass of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), a mixture of salt and sugar in water, and then offered some fresh juice. Gradually, the boy’s pale face returned to normal color, and his weakness began to fade.

Guddu, curious and worried, turned to his teacher and asked, “Sir, what exactly happened to him?”

The teacher smiled gently and replied, “Your friend suffered from dehydration. Do you know what dehydration is?”

Guddu shook his head. The teacher continued, “Dehydration is simply the loss of water from the body. Since more than 65% of our body is made up of water, even a small imbalance can make us weak and ill. Blood itself is 90% water, and even our muscles are about 75% water. Without enough water, nutrients can’t easily reach our cells, nor can waste be flushed out efficiently. Water also regulates our body temperature. Without it, the system begins to collapse.”

And thus began Guddu’s lesson about the hidden dangers of dehydration.


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What is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. When our body receives the required amount of water, the process is called rehydration — a balance necessary for good health.


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Causes of Dehydration

1. Hot Climate and Excessive Sweating
In many parts of the world, particularly countries with long summers, heat and humidity are common. Excessive sweating during hot weather or after intense physical work drains water from the body, leaving a person weak, dizzy, and exhausted.


2. Contaminated Drinking Water
According to medical experts, nearly 80% of illnesses in developing countries are caused by impure water. Often, vegetables sold in city markets are grown with wastewater from factories and industries. Such water contains harmful chemicals and toxins.



Additionally, many cities face water supply problems. Old, rusty pipelines break down, allowing sewage water to mix with clean water. Drinking this contaminated water causes digestive problems, diarrhea, and other stomach issues, all of which lead to dehydration.


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Symptoms of Dehydration

Recognizing dehydration early is vital. Some of the common symptoms include:

Extreme thirst

Dark yellow, concentrated urine

Dry mouth and chapped lips

Reduced skin elasticity

Dizziness, nausea, and confusion

In infants, the soft spot on the head (fontanelle) may appear sunken


These signs are the body’s alarm bells, warning that immediate attention is required.


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Treatment of Dehydration

In mild cases, dehydration can be treated without medication. The best remedy is ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) — a simple drink that restores the body’s lost water and electrolytes.

Home Recipe for ORS

Take one liter of boiled, cooled water

Add half a teaspoon of salt

Mix in eight teaspoons of sugar (using jaggery instead of sugar is even healthier)

Stir until dissolved


This mixture should not be boiled again and must be consumed within 24 hours. For better taste and nutrition, fruit juice or coconut water can also be added.

In addition to fluids, eating light, soft foods helps recovery. Dishes such as thin porridge, khichdi, or soaked bread in curry are recommended. Chicken or mutton broth can also provide strength. Among fruits, bananas and pomegranates are especially beneficial, while herbs like fennel and mint soothe the stomach.


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Prevention: Staying Ahead of Dehydration

The golden rule is simple: drink enough clean water daily. At least 8–10 glasses are necessary for an adult. However, the safety of drinking water matters as much as its quantity.

Since contaminated water is the root of many diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, and throat infections, boiling water for at least five minutes before drinking is strongly advised.

In hot weather, carrying a water bottle is wise. Eating water-rich foods such as cucumbers, melons, and oranges also helps maintain hydration.


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A Lesson for Guddu — and All of Us

After hearing his teacher’s explanation, Guddu finally understood what had happened to his classmate. He realized that dehydration is not just about “feeling thirsty” — it is a serious health risk that can affect anyone, especially in hot climates or when drinking unclean water.

The incident left a lasting impression on him. That day, Guddu promised himself he would never ignore the importance of water. He began to drink plenty of clean water daily and even shared this lesson with his family and friends.


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Final Thoughts

Dehydration is one of the most preventable health issues, yet it remains widespread. With simple measures like drinking boiled or filtered water, staying hydrated in hot weather, and recognizing early symptoms, many dangerous outcomes can be avoided.

So, the next time you reach for a glass of clean water, remember Guddu’s classmate. That simple act might be the key to keeping your body healthy, refreshed, and safe from dehydration.