Symptoms Of Dehydration

Signs of Dehydration

The human body is composed of 75% water. Symptoms of dehydration can occur when the amount of water that leaves the body through normal functions is greater than the amount taken in. We lose water when we urinate, have a bowel movement, sweat, cry and breathe. Dehydration can be caused by many things. Blood loss, fever, failing to replace liquids lost from extreme sweating, different kinds of illnesses, and other reasons can lead to a body becoming dehydrated.

Mild symptoms of dehydration are characterized at first by increased thirst, and can progress to a more serious condition if the need for liquid is not met. Some of the other symptoms of mild dehydration, along with being thirsty, would be a drying out of the skin, a loss of appetite, the skin will appear flushed, urine becomes dark colored, the mouth will be dry and sticky, fatigue and weakness will occur, you may have the 'chills', and a feeling of being lightheaded upon standing.

Symptoms of Dehydration

If the dehydration continues and a 5% fluid loss occurs, the symptoms of dehydration rapidly escalate to much more serious condition. The heart rate, body temperature and respiration increase significantly, sweating and urination decrease quickly, the fatigue becomes extreme, the muscles begin to cramp painfully, nausea and vomiting begin, there will be a lack of tears, and the limbs begin to tingle. These are signs of a condition that is progressively becoming worse.

When the body has a 10% fluid loss, this becomes a medical emergency and help is needed immediately! Symptoms of dehydration will include painful spasms of the muscles, the pulse will race, the blood pressure will drop, skin will shrivel and dry, urination will be very painful, confusion and lethargy will set in, breathing will become difficult along with chest and abdominal pain. Seizures are likely to occur, and a person will fall unconscious.

Medical help must be obtained immediately for someone with extreme symptoms of dehydration. Intravenous fluids must be given to hydrate the body. With a severe lack of fluids, organs in the body will begin to shut down rapidly. The kidneys could fail, or a person might experience a heart attack. Recovery will depend on how quickly treatment begins, how badly dehydrated the person is, and the amount of damage that has occurred to other organs in the body.

It is extremely important that we replenish the fluids that we lose, especially in hot weather or after exercise. You need to drink even if you do not feel thirsty at the time. A significant amount of the water in our bodies is being lost during every bodily function we have, even though one may not realize it. It is essential that we drink plenty of water so that we don't experience any symptoms of dehydration.