Understanding Dehydration
Dehydration can happen to anyone. Dehydration is the lack of water in the body
caused by someone drinking less water/fluids than what is lost by the body.
Symptoms of dehydration vary from person to person but usually include dry lips
and tongue, dry skin, a mild headache and thirst. These early symptoms of
dehydration are easily misinterpreted as other conditions.
Some more serious symptoms of dehydration include:
•
•
•
•
•
Decreased mental alertness
or feeling irritable
Chest pain or discomfort
Confusion
Dizziness
Lack of tears (especially in
an infant)
•
•
•
•
•
Muscle cramps and
weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Not urinating or dark colored
urine
Seizures
Sunken eyes
Causes of Dehydration
The most common cause of mild dehydration is not drinking the proper amount
of water or fluids. Certain fluids, such as sugary drinks and sodas, actually
cause dehydration because of their high sugar and low sodium content.
Excessive sweating due to heat and exercise is another cause. Illness that
involves fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea can also lead to dehydration. Other
causes are diseases or disorders that decrease fluids and/or increase urination
such as type 1 diabetes, kidney failure and aldosterone deficiency.
Those at a higher risk for dehydration include:
•
•
•
•
•
Infants and children
Older adults
People with chronic illnesses
Endurance athletes
People living at high
altitudes
•
•
People working or exercising
out in hot, humid weather
Please with a
disease/condition that
causes excess urine output
Complications of Dehydration
There are many complications that can occur from serious, untreated
dehydration. If dehydration is allowed to become very serious and is left
untreated there is a potential for heatstroke, kidney failure, seizures, coma and
sometimes death.
Ways to prevent dehydration:
•
•
•
•
•
Drink plenty of water/fluids and eat foods high in water content. These
include fruits and vegetables. Remember, fluids high in sugar are not
good options.
Thirst is a sign of dehydration. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of
water throughout the day.
If you are exercising, do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Drink water
before the workout and throughout it.
If you are ill, make sure to drink extra fluids to help keep your body
supplied with what it needs to help you fight off the illness and keep your
temperature down.
During the warmer, more humid months you will need to drink more than
usual to help cool your body temperature down and to replace the fluids
you are losing in sweat. It is possible you made need to do this in the
winter as well if you are sweating underneath all of your layers of
clothing.