Dehydration can cause physical symptoms such as thirst, dry skin, and dizziness, as well as emotional symptoms like irritability. Mild cases can be treated by drinking water, but severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Prevention includes drinking enough water and avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine.
The symptoms of dehydration can be both physical and mental. Physically, people often experience thirst, dry skin and eyes, dizziness, and fatigue. It’s also common for urine to slow down and become a much darker color, typically a result of the body’s attempt to conserve water. Emotional symptoms often include irritability and mood swings. Treating the condition is often as easy as drinking a glass of water, but the problem is often harder to fix the longer it goes on. Chronic or really severe cases usually need to be treated medically, often with an intravenous drip. The best way to prevent this type of outcome is to know the early symptoms and make sure you drink enough water and other hydrating fluids every day.
Basic knowledge of body fluids
The human body is made up of approximately 70% water, and water is essential for nearly all bodily functions to function. Blood production depends on it, as does digestion; it is also vital to maintaining right brain chemistry. Dehydration occurs when the water level in the body drops. Chemicals like salt and potassium drop to an uneven level when this happens, which can trigger a number of different side effects and symptoms. In most cases, a very small percentage decrease in the body’s water level is enough for problems to manifest.
Mild cases are usually characterized by a loss of about 1-2% of body fluids which can easily be corrected by simply drinking a glass of water. Moderate cases, which are usually defined as a loss of about 3-5% of body fluids, can be quite noticeable and can result in a feeling of weakness and lethargy.
Severe cases, characterized by a loss of about 10% of body fluids, are usually extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Sufferers usually need to be hospitalized to receive sufficient rehydration through an intravenous drip. Just drinking water is usually not enough in these cases, as the condition can cause people to go into “shock,” a medical term that usually means that major organs and systems in the body are in a tight pattern. People in this state often cannot absorb water through the digestive tract, but saline solutions placed directly into their bloodstreams can work to reverse the condition and restore health.
Physical dryness
One of the very first things dehydrated people feel is thirst. Their throat may feel dry and their lips may grow chapped. It is also common for the eyes to feel itchy or dry. When the body is running on a reduced amount of water, it usually begins to divert fluids from wet, moist areas like the mouth and eyes and send that water to places where it may be needed most, especially vital organs. Dry skin is also common, although it often takes a few days to show up.
Dizziness and tiredness
People also often feel dizzy, especially when they stand up suddenly. They may also experience bouts of intense tiredness or lethargy. Headaches are also common. The longer a person has a fluid deficit, the more severe these symptoms are likely to become. People who suffer for a long time often complain of headaches, blurred vision and fainting.
Urine changes
Fluid deficiency can also lead to low urine output and dark colored urine. Urination is the body’s way of expelling excess fluids and soluble compounds, but when water is scarce this type of expulsion is often considered a luxury. Under these circumstances, the kidneys, which manage the process, typically allocate only the minimum amount of water needed, and the result is often dark yellow and perhaps even rust-colored urine. It often has an unpleasant odor, can be painful to pass, and can leave people with a burning sensation.
Irritability and mood swings
People who don’t get enough water are also often more susceptible to mood swings and bouts of irritability and irritability. Water levels affect the mood center of the brain, and an imbalance can temporarily alter people’s perceptions and reactions. These symptoms are often most pronounced in those who already suffer from anxiety or depression.
Prevention tips
The diagnosis of fluid loss can be determined based on a blood and urine test or it can be discovered simply by looking at some of the visual symptoms. Fluid loss can be caused by many things. Disease, hot climates, and strenuous exercise are common culprits; Consuming a lot of salty foods or dehydrating liquids such as alcohol or drinks containing caffeine can also be the cause.
The sick, the elderly and children are particularly sensitive and therefore should drink plenty of fluids. However, even the healthy adult should be sure they get enough water each day. There is usually no set formula or “magic number,” but intentionally drinking water, juice, and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages is widely recommended. Eating foods that contain water, especially fruits and vegetables, can also help.
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