Dehydration can be a dangerous situation and, as such, it should always be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, and headache. It can also result in seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death if it is not addressed promptly.
Often, people who have dehydration don’t know they are in this state until it is too late. The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink enough water throughout the day.
The body naturally loses water through sweat, tears, breathing, urination and stool. Under normal conditions, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water or salts like sodium or potassium.
But sometimes people get dehydrated because of certain illnesses or medicines. If you have diabetes, kidney disease or use medications that increase your urination, for instance, it’s important to be aware of the signs of dehydration and to seek medical attention immediately.
You may also become dehydrated if you’re exposed to hot, humid weather or if you’re doing a lot of exercise in the heat. When you’re sick, it’s even more important to stay hydrated because it’s easy to lose fluids when you have diarrhea or vomiting.
There are a few ways to tell if you’re dehydrated, including checking your urine color and listening for any changes in your breath. If your urine is pale yellow or clear, you’re usually fine.
However, if it’s a darker color than usual, you could be in need of some extra water. If you notice that your urine is dark in color or if you experience any other symptoms of dehydration, see a doctor right away.
Skin can also show signs of dehydration by feeling tight and dry. You’ll probably also have more wrinkles and under eye circles than normal.
Another sign of dehydration is a dry mouth. A dry mouth can make you feel thirsty or hungry, and your saliva will be thicker than normal.
A dry mouth can also cause you to feel drowsy or sleepy. If you have these symptoms, it’s best to drink some water before bed or try a sip of juice.
Fatigue is another common symptom of dehydration, which makes it difficult to perform daily tasks. It can also affect your ability to focus or concentrate on your work or an activity.
This can also make it hard to wake up in the morning and start your day.
Getting a full night’s rest is critical for anyone suffering from severe dehydration. This is because your body’s cells need to be fully nourished to function properly, so if you aren’t well hydrated, your body can’t provide the fuel needed for your cells to function normally.
If you have an unusually dry mouth or if your lips and tongue are cracked and bleeding, this could be a sign of dehydration as well. You may also feel nauseous and want to eat but not be able to swallow anything.
In infants and children, dehydration is a serious condition that needs to be monitored carefully. It is especially important for young children with diarrhea or vomiting to keep their fluid intake up.
