Fact Checked
What is Dehydration?
- Dehydration occurs when your body displaces more fluid than you drink. The most common reason of water loss from the body is extreme sweating.
- The recommended amount of water to drink is eight to 10 glasses each day for an average, non-active individual. Individuals on the go, athletes, and people exposed to high temperatures should increase their water intake to avoid dehydration.
- If dehydration isn’t corrected straight away, it could cause shock. Dehydration can be mild or severe.
- Mild dehydration can generally be treated at home, whereas severe dehydration has to be treated in a hospital or emergency care setting.
Dehydration Risk Factors
Some individuals are at a higher risk of getting dehydration than others, including:
- Employees exposed to excessive amounts of heat (for instance, welders, landscapers, construction workers, and mechanics)
- Older people;
- People with chronic illnesses;
- Athletes (particularly cyclists, runners, and soccer players);
- Infants and young kids; and
- People who reside in high altitudes.
Symptoms Of Dehydration
The symptoms of dehydration differ depending on whether the condition is mild or severe. Symptoms of dehydration may begin to appear before total dehydration takes place.
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include
- Sleepiness;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Light-headedness;
Dehydration occurs when your body misplaces more fluid than you drink. The most common reason of water loss from the body is extreme sweating. - Less tear production;
- Constipation;
- Dry skin;
- Increased thirst;
- Decreased urination; and
- Dry mouth
In addition to the symptoms of mild dehydration, severe dehydration is likely to cause the following:
- Rapid heart rate;
- Fever;
- Dark urine;
- Excessive thirst;
- Sunken eyes;
- Lack of sweat production;
- Rapid breathing;
- Shriveled skin;
- Low blood pressure; and
- Rapid heart rate.
Threat Of Not Treating Dehydration
Untreated dehydration can lead to serious problems such as
- Kidney failure;
- Coma;
- Heatstroke;
- Seizures;
- Low blood volume;
- Heat exhaustion; and
- Heat cramps.