Dehydration is a serious health risk that occurs when your body loses more fluid over time than you drink. Dehydration can disrupt the balance of minerals present in your blood. It's important to be able to spot the symptoms of dehydration in yourself and those around you in order to prevent the condition from worsening.
Dehydration symptoms can range from mild to dangerous depending on factors like age, underlying medical conditions and activity level. Drinking more liquids may help alleviate many of the symptoms of dehydration.
1. Feeling Thirsty
Drinking more fluids may help rehydrate your body, and feeling thirsty could be one of the key indicators that your body is dehydrated. It could simply mean sweating more, or could signal an underlying medical problem that requires your attention.
Dehydration symptoms include feeling weak, tired or irritable. It's best to consult a medical provider about what treatments might work for your situation.
Dehydration often manifests itself with symptoms like dry mouth, which may include itchy and cracked lips and gums as well as an unpleasant burning sensation when chewing or biting your tongue.
2. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when your salivary glands do not produce enough spit to keep your mouth moist, leading to discomfort and possibly other oral health problems. It can be distressful as well as cause other dental health complications.
People living with dry mouth are at a greater risk for tooth decay and oral candidiasis (thrush), also known as oral candidiasis. Furthermore, they may have difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking effectively.
Medication prescribed for high blood pressure, allergies or depression may cause dry mouth; similarly cancer therapy treatments and radiation therapies as well as nerve damage may all result in similar side effects.
Dehydration and dry mouth can be avoided by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, but if chronic dry mouth persists, see your physician to ensure there are no other issues present that require attention.
3. Dry Skin
Dehydration often manifests itself through skin that appears dry, flaky and itchy - all symptoms that indicate that there's not enough hydration available to your cells. If this sounds familiar to you, keep reading.
Dehydration occurs when one consumes more water than they take in, which can impact other organs and tissues in their body.
Hydration of the body comes in various forms; one effective strategy for replenishing fluid loss through sweating and urination is by drinking plenty of water. Drinking enough water also helps the body replenish fluid lost through perspiration.
4. Diarrhea or Vomiting
Diarrhea is often associated with viral or bacterial gastroenteritis infections. It may also indicate food allergies or conditions such as IBS.
people suffering from diarrhea frequently lose water and electrolytes from their stools, including essential salts needed for muscle and nerve health. These electrolytes must remain in our bodies in order to function optimally.
Normal diarrhea typically resolves itself within several days; however, prolonged episodes can result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and kidney failure if left untreated.
If you or a family member has diarrhea that does not improve within 48 hours, contact your doctor immediately and they will determine whether you need fluid replacement and at what level.
5. Fever
Fever is a telltale sign that your body needs help fighting an infection, so if your fever goes beyond 100.4 degrees F it's time to consult a physician immediately in order to figure out the source and best way to treat it.
Fever can also be an indicator that your body is losing fluids through sweating or vomiting and not replenishing itself with enough fluids, leading to dehydration. Diabetics or those suffering from other medical conditions may require blood tests to measure electrolytes (potassium and sodium).
