What are symptoms of dehydration? Causes, Prevention and Treatment (image by canva)

What are symptoms of dehydration? Causes, Prevention And Treatments

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough water in the blood or interstitial fluid. The skin becomes dry, lips and tongue feel rough and parched, vision blurs and you may start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Dehydration happens when we don't drink enough fluids and it can lead to medical emergencies such as life-threatening overheating or even death due to heart failure if left untreated.

Here are some symptoms of dehydration

1. Headache

headache is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration and can be caused by a lack of fluids in your body. The body needs water to function properly, so if you're not getting enough fluids throughout the day (especially at night), then your brain will start asking for more water. 

This leads to headaches because there isn't enough blood flow going through its arteries and veins so it feels like there's something wrong with your head when really all that was wrong was an unbalanced diet.

Dehydration can also cause headaches in children and adults alike, as well as infants and toddlers.

2. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common symptom of dehydration. It can be caused by dehydration, but it's also a sign of other conditions like diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome.

Dry mouth can be caused by medications as well, such as antihistamines and some antidepressants.

To check for dry mouth:

• Drink plenty of water (at least 8 cups per day). If you haven't been drinking enough fluids for several days in a row because you're ill or have a fever , drink even more at least 10 cups per day. Be sure to use plain water instead of sugary drinks that may add extra calories without providing any real benefit from them (for example soda).

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is the most common symptom of dehydration. It can occur when your body no longer has enough water to function properly and efficiently use energy. This condition leads to a feeling of tiredness, weakness, or exhaustion that lasts for several hours after drinking fluids.

If you have symptoms such as dry throat, dizziness or lightheadedness (feeling like you're about to fall), muscle cramps in your arms and legs, an increased heart rate (heart palpitations), irritability or anger towards others who ask you how you feel, these may be signs that your body needs more fluid.

4. Slow Skin Elasticity

The symptoms of dehydration are often subtle, but they can be quite noticeable. When you are dehydrated, your skin will feel dry and tight. Skin may appear pale or even taut to the touch. If you have a rash on your body and itchy skin, there might be an underlying cause for this.

If you’re having trouble feeling comfortable in your own skin because of this issue, it may be time to seek out some help from a doctor.

5. Dark Urine

Dark urine is the most common symptom of dehydration in children, but it can occur in adults as well.

If you're experiencing dark urine, drink more fluids and eat saltier foods to replace what you've lost.

6. Constipation

Constipation is a common symptom of dehydration. The most common causes of constipation are:

• Poor dietary habits, such as eating too little fiber and drinking too much caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee) or alcohol.

• Certain medications that cause dry mouth or dry eyes, such as antihistamines and antidepressants.

• Lack of physical activity because you're too tired to go out for a walk or jog around the block each day (even if it's just 10 minutes).

7. Feeling Light Headed Or Dizzy

Lightheadedness is a common symptom of dehydration, and it can happen when you don't drink enough water.

The best way to prevent lightheadedness is by drinking plenty of water. If you're in a hot environment, make sure to drink more often to keep yourself hydrated.

Dehydration can also cause dizziness, so be sure to make sure you're rehydrated before going out in public or driving.

8. Vomiting

If you're feeling thirsty this means there isn't enough liquid in your system yet but if it gets too bad then vomiting could occur because there isn't any other way for them get rid of this extra water weight without going outside their comfort zone physically which could cause serious damage depending on how far down into dehydration territory they've gone before realizing just how far gone they really are.

9. Infrequent Urination Or Concentrated Urine

In addition to being thirsty, you may notice that your urine is dark or cloudy. Dark or cloudy urine can be caused by several factors, including:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria).

• Cancerous cells that have spread from another part of the body into the kidneys and bladder.

• Kidney stones

Causes Of Dehydration

The causes of dehydration are many, but they all have one thing in common: loss of body fluids. The most common cause of dehydration is heat stroke, which is an emergency condition that occurs when your body gets too hot and you can't cool down fast enough.

Other causes include fever or infection: if you're experiencing these symptoms, make sure to drink plenty of fluids so that your body has something to replace what it loses through sweating and vomiting. You should also watch out for diarrhea or vomiting due to food poisoning; this could lead to severe dehydration if left untreated for too long.

Prevention And Treatment Of Dehydration

1. Stay hydrated if you are exercising or in hot weather. If your body is already less than optimal, it will take more fluid to compensate for heat loss from increased sweating. This can make you feel dehydrated much faster than if you weren't exercising or wearing warm clothing during summertime temperatures.

2. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to a number of health issues, including fatigue and dizziness. Water is essential for your body's function and should be kept at a minimum of 2 Liters per day or more if you're exercising strenuously or working outdoors in hot weather conditions.

3. Eat foods that contain water. Foods like fruits and vegetables are rich in water content, however, they don't provide as much calories as protein sources do so it's important to select foods that have a high water content during times when you're feeling thirsty from dehydration symptoms such as fatigue or thirstiness.

4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (if possible). These substances cause increased urination which causes more fluid loss than what would normally occur without them present in the body.

5. Try a heat pack on your feet/legs after exercise if this has been causing pain during exercise sessions due to lack of blood flow through those areas due to being dehydrated.

6. Wear light clothing while working out in the heat (i.e., don’t wear cotton)

7. Rest in the shade when possible during hot weather

"Prevention is better than cure"

Takeaway:

It is important to understand the symptoms of dehydration so that it can be treated as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical care if the person becomes confused or their symptoms seem severe.

If you suspect that someone has become dehydrated, it is important to encourage them to drink liquids immediately. It is also important to understand the symptoms of dehydration so that it can be treated as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical care if the person becomes confused or their symptoms seem severe.

The sooner the dehydration can be treated, the better chance they have of recovering fully.