Signs & Symptoms Of Dehydration

DehydrationDon’t Skip Out On Drinking Lots Of Water!

Dehydration is very common amongst millions of people, especially for those who live in warmer climates where our bodies tend to use up more water to help us cool down. This article will go over the importance of drinking lots of water and what the consequences are if you don’t get enough in your system! Whether you’re an athlete, or not this article should bare a lot of importance to anyone because it effects thousands of people a day , which can lead to some serious consequences!

If you don’t know already, dehydration is a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that his taken in. That means more water is moving out of your cells and bodies than what we take in through drinking. There are several ways as to how our bodies lose these fluids, such as water vapor in the breath we exhale and in our excreted sweat, urine and stool. Along with the water, small amounts of salts are also lost. Our bodies become out of balance or dehydrated with severe cases resulting in death.

What Are Causes Of Dehydration?

There are many causes for dehydration, such as: vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination due to infection, fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise, the inability to seek appropriate water and food, and impaired ability to drink, diseases such as diabetes, no access to safe drinking water, significant injuries, such as burns or mouth sores or severe skin diseases or infections. Many of the conditions can cause rapid and continued dehydration, so be careful to look out for any signs or symptoms of dehydration.

What Are Some Symptoms Of Dehydration?

If you’re unsure of the symptoms you’re experiencing are from dehydration or from something else, this is what you should be looking out for.

  • Increased Thirst
  • Dry Mouth and Swollen Tongue
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations
  • Confusion
  • Sluggishness Fainting
  • Fainting
  • Inability To Sweat
  • Decreased Urine Output (The color of your urine may be an indicator as well. If its concentrated and deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated)

So you’re probably also wondering, when a good time to seek medical attention is? It’s best to call your doctor if you start experiencing and excess of these symptoms:

  • Increased Or Constant Vomiting For More Than A Day
  • Fever over 101 F
  • Diarrhea For More Than 2 Days
  • Weight Loss
  • Decreased Urine Production
  • Confusion
  • Weakness

Treatments for Dehydration:

If you have pretty mild symptoms and signs, try these at-home treatments to help get fluids back into your body.

  • Sipping small amounts of water
  • Drinking carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks
  • Sucking on popsicles made from juices or sports drinks
  • Sucking on ice chips
  • Sipping through a straw

If you need to seek attention from a medical professional this is what you might expect for treatments.

  • Fluid Replacement. This is generally done through an IV, especially if there is no nausea or vomiting going on.
  • Disposition. If you’re condition improves after this treatment, you will most likely be sent home. However, if signs remain you begin to experience abnormal vital signs or signs of infection.