What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when there is a loss of fluids in the body, especially water. Water is critical in the functioning of the body, and its loss can result in adverse conditions. Complete loss of body water is fatal.
Dehydration is often noticed by the condition of the person and not the symptoms. Common symptoms of dehydration may include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dark colored urine
Without adequate fluid replacement, symptoms may worsen to the condition of the body becoming a medical emergency.
Common Causes of Dehydration
Dehydration may be caused by a number of factors including:
- Loss of body fluids through diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Fever
- Hot and humid weather
- Excessive bodily activities
Mild cases of dehydration may be treated by replenishing the body fluids.
Signs of Dehydration
In this condition, the symptoms may vary with the extent of the body fluids lost. Gradual loss of body fluids may result in:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth and lips
- Little or no urine
- Tiredness and weakness
Symptoms of severe dehydration may include:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Loss of consciousness
Increased Thirst
A decrease in water levels causes the brain to send a signal to the body that it is time to drink. Most people interpret this signal as feeling thirsty. However, one of the major problems with using thirst as a signal to drink water is that by the time a person feels thirsty, they are already slightly dehydrated.
This is why it is always important to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. If a person feels thirsty and also has other symptoms, that is a clear signal to drink water as soon as possible.
Dry Mouth, Lips, and Tongue
A lack of fluids causes the body to produce less saliva. As a result, the tongue and mouth feel dry and sticky.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
- Lip cracking
- A sore throat
- Rough and painful swallowing
Dark Urine and Infrequent Urination
Concentrated and dark urine is a signal that the body is not getting enough fluids. The kidneys, in an effort to save the little fluid the body has, filter out even less fluid and result in dark and concentrated urine.
If you have light colored urine that is easily produced, then you are most likely properly hydrated.
Weakness and Fatigue
When the body does not have enough fluid, it becomes even more depleted of essential nutrients and oxygen, making a person feel weak and tired.
You may notice:
- A general sense of weak and tired feeling
- Inability to easily perform simple physical tasks
- Inability to focus or concentrate
If fatigue occurs along with other symptoms of dehydration, there is a need to drink fluids and observe your condition.
Headache
One possible effect of dehydration is a headache. Headaches may occur due to reduction in fluid levels, which may impact the body’s normal circulation.
Headaches due to dehydration may be alleviated by resting and fluid replacement. However, it is recommended to consult a health professional in case the headache persists.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
A possible effect of decreased body fluid is reduced blood volume. One effect of reduced blood volume is dizziness.
Dizziness due to reduced body fluid may be alleviated by resting while keeping the body in a sitting position. If the condition does not improve, it may be necessary to consult a health professional.
Dry Skin and Problems With Temperature Regulation
A reduction in body fluid may result in dry skin. Loss of body fluid may also impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Reduced body fluid may result in a condition where the body is unable to regulate its temperature while being exposed to hot conditions.
Sweating helps the body regulate its temperature. If body fluid levels are sufficiently high, the body may reduce or stop sweating.
Muscle Cramps
Dehydration may impact muscle function. This may result in abnormal and unnatural cramping of body muscles.
Those who are physically active or employed outdoors and are exposed to hot and humid conditions should be conscious of their fluid replacement.
Severe Dehydration in Adults
Severe dehydration impacts circulation and other critical functions of the body and brain. It requires medical attention.
Symptoms may include:
Confusion and Changes in Mental Function
If dehydration gets severe, you may experience confusion and other changes in your mental functions. Older adults are at risk as dehydration symptoms may be confused with other conditions for which they are already at risk.
Other symptoms may include:
- Rapid heart and breathing rates
- Weakness
- Fainting
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should have them checked.
Little or No Urination
If you do not urinate, or urinate very little, this means that your body is attempting to preserve fluids, and severe dehydration may have already set in.
Other conditions may result from severe dehydration including:
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
It is imperative that you seek medical attention if you experience any of the above conditions.
Other Causes of Dehydration in Adults
Some of the conditions that may lead to dehydration include:
Gastrointestinal Conditions
These conditions may include an infection that results in diarrhea and/or vomiting. Fluid loss may be rapid and if not replaced, may lead to dehydration.
Fever
A fever may lead to loss of body fluids and if not replaced, may lead to dehydration.
Medications and Lifestyle Factors
Dehydration can happen for several reasons. People may become too busy to remember to drink water. Some people may experience a reduction in their sensation of thirst. Rates of dehydration have also increased with the development of new medication.
Some medications increase the rate of fluid loss by increasing the rate of urination or sweating. Patients of these medications should make sure to discuss their hydration with their healthcare provider.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Dehydration?
There are certain groups of the general population who are at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated. These include:
- Elderly adults
- People with chronic illnesses
- People who work outdoors
- Athletes
- People experiencing vomiting and diarrhea
The elderly are at increased risk of becoming dehydrated because their sensitivity to thirst may decrease.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for Dehydration?
If you experience symptoms of dehydration such as confusion and faintness, you should seek medical attention.
Healthcare providers may be able to help if you have symptoms of dehydration and have a rapid heart rate, especially if you are unable to keep fluids down.
Doctors Urgent Care Group may also be able to help if your symptoms become serious.
Treatment Options for Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration may resolve with the consumption of fluids. However, if the case of dehydration is severe, you may need to be treated and given IV fluids.
Healthcare professionals suggest the following to treat mild dehydration:
- Drink water
- Substitute electrolytes if necessary
- Rest in a cooled-down environment
Treatment for moderate to severe levels of dehydration requires medical attention. It may include:
- Assessment of vital signs
- IV fluid therapy
- Close monitoring of electrolytes
The best course of treatment depends on the overall health of the person and the severity of the case. Only a medical professional can make that determination.
How to Prevent Dehydration
You can implement strategies to assist you in avoiding becoming dehydrated. You can:
- Drink water throughout the day and especially during hot and humid weather.
- Replenish fluid loss by drinking water if you are engaged in physical activity.
- Check the color of your urine. If it is dark, increase your fluid intake.
- Stay hydrated if you have vomiting and diarrhea.
- Do not wait until you are extremely thirsty to drink water.
Recognize the early symptoms of dehydration, including dizziness and fatigue.
Mild cases of dehydration can be treated by drinking fluids. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience rapid heart rate, fainting, and/or are not urinating.
Doctors Urgent Care can treat your case of dehydration if you reside in the northeastern region of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydration in Adults
What are the first signs of dehydration in adults?
Thirst and fatigue.
What is the optimal water intake for an adult?
The exact amount of fluid one should consume in a day is hard to say. However, frequent consumption of fluid is essential for adequate hydration. Some say about 8 glasses a day is a good goal to have.
Can lack of fluid lead to dizziness?
Yes. Circulation plays a role in overall health. If one becomes dehydrated, circulatory issues may lead to dizziness or light-headedness.
Is dark colored urine an indicator of lack of fluid?
Yes. If there is a lack of fluid, the kidneys become stressed and are unable to function normally, which may result in the dark color of the urine.
When does lack of fluid become a medical emergency?
If an individual is suffering from confusion, losing consciousness, or has rapid and irregular breathing, this would require immediate medical assistance.
Is it possible for lack of fluid to affect the kidneys?
Yes. If one becomes excessively dehydrated, this may worsen any existing conditions of the kidneys.