Dehydration is a
condition in which a person's body doesn't receive enough fluids and water.
States of dehydration range from mild to very severe. The latter is extremely
dangerous. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of dehydration. You
may realize you yourself are dehydrated, or recognize these symptoms in someone
else. You can then take the necessary steps to get properly hydrated. Let's
take a closer look at dehydration symptoms.
Symptoms
of Mild Dehydration
The many symptoms of
dehydration depend upon the severity. If it's a mild case you may notice
increased thirst. This is often associated with a dry and slightly parched
mouth. You might begin to experience headaches and dizziness, as well as a
general feeling of tiredness. Your urine can also be affected by dehydration.
The amount will be decreased and it will be a darker yellow. That means you
haven't taken in enough fluids. the latter of which indicates that you simply
haven't had enough hydration in quite some time. These symptoms are typically
exacerbated if you're working out or playing a sport. They will also worsen over
time if you don't take steps to address the issue, eventually worsening to
become severe dehydration.
Symptoms
of Severe Dehydration
Once severe dehydration
sets in, there are a wide range of new symptoms that may begin to occur. Do not
wait for them to occur. They require immediate medical attention. If you stop
urinating altogether, or have only a very small output of urine when attempting
to urinate, then your dehydration is likely to be severe. Any urine will be an
extremely dark yellow, or even an amber color. You could develop a fever, often
accompanied by chills. A fever can be very dangerous when secondary to
dehydration. Severe dizziness could occur, even to the point of preventing you
from standing up or moving around. A rapid heart rate that occurs at rest, and
when doing nothing strenuous points to severe dehydration.
Your blood pressure
might also begin to drop at moments when you stand up after lying down for a
period of time. Though it can be difficult to notice this symptom, your skin
may begin to lose some of its elasticity. In this event the skin takes quite
some time to return to normal after being pinched. The most serious symptoms of
severe dehydration include shock, seizures, lethargy and confusion, and coma at
its worst. If you notice any of these symptoms, in yourself or someone else,
regard it as an emergency. Get help. Head to a hospital right away.
