What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?
The human body consists of approximately 70% water which is vital to a properly functioning body. Dehydration occurs when the level of water in the body has been reduced. Chemical substances in the body such as salt and potassium fall to an irregular level during dehydration. It only takes a very small decrease in the percentage of the body's water level for dehydration to set in. The symptoms of dehydration depend on the amount of water that has been lost. These symptoms include feeling thirsty, dizzy, tired, having headaches, dry skin, dry lips or mouth, dry eyes, and darker, more concentrated urine.
The main symptoms of dehydration are dizziness, lethargy, dry eyes and a dry mouth. Confusion may set in as may irritability and mood swings. There may also be a loss of appetite and a burning sensation in the stomach.
Dehydration may also result in low urine output and urine that is dark in color. The skin may become dry and loose elasticity. Eyes may become dry and the hands and feet may become clammy. The sufferer may also complain of headaches.
The degree of dehydration can vary. Mild dehydration is generally characterized by a loss of around 1 to 2% of body fluids which can be easily corrected by drinking more fluids. Moderate dehydration, or a loss of about 3 to 5% of body fluid, can be quite noticeable and may result in a feeling of weakness and lethargy.
Severe dehydration, or a loss of about 10% of bodily fluids, is extremely dangerous. Failure to treat sever dehydration may be fatal. Sufferers of sever dehydration should likely be hospitalized so as to receive sufficient re-hydration through an intravenous drip.
Diagnosing dehydration may be determined based on a blood and urine analysis or it may be uncovered simply by observing some of the visual symptoms of dehydration.
Fluid loss can be caused by many things. Illness, hot climates, and exercise can cause excessive fluid loss. The ill, elderly, and children are especially susceptible to dehydration and therefore should drink plenty of fluids. But even the healthy adult should drink plenty of fluids. In fact, it is commonly recommended that one should drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Written by Garry Crystal
