Dehydration Symptoms in Adults

Dehydration is a state when the body gets depleted of water and salts. Water and salts or electrolytes are necessary for our body. This condition occurs when there is excessive loss of water from our body, due to different reasons.

Causes of Dehydration
Excessive sweating or inadequate intake of water are the common causes. Apart from these, heat exhaustion, high blood sugar, vomiting, diarrhea, consumption of drugs and alcohol, strenuous exercise also lead to this condition. If a person sweats profusely after exercise, he can get dehydrated. If dehydration is not treated immediately, the person can suffer from shock.

Dehydration Symptoms
The effects of dehydration can be immediately seen within a few hours or sometimes within a few days. Symptoms in children are slightly different from those seen in adults. Sunken eyes, cheeks and abdomen, dry mouth and pitting edema are seen in children.

... in Adults
The common dehydration symptoms that are easy to recognize are dry mouth and dry skin. But, one need not panic immediately, as some people normally have a dry skin. Other identifying signs include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dark-colored urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Thirst
• Low blood pressure
• Inability to urinate and sweat
• Chills
• Sluggishness
• Wrinkled skin
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Severe Symptoms
If a person ignores the above mentioned symptoms, dehydration may reach the next stage. The following are severe dehydration symptoms in adults.

• Increased heart rate
• Increased body temperature
• Unconsciousness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Decreased or painful urination
• Muscle cramps

Certain prescribed medications can cause dehydration in elderly. Pitting edema is one of the most commonly observed symptoms in elderly. Pitting edema is a state when the skin does not regain its original shape after pinching.

Dehydration During Pregnancy
Women experience vomiting and nausea due to dehydration during the first trimester. The following symptoms are also observed:

• Thirst
• Headache or Migraine
• Dizziness
• Dark yellow urine
• Weakness
• Dryness and looseness of skin

Treatment
If a person shows minor signs of dehydration, he should be given water to drink. If possible, he should be given an electrolyte drink, to recover the loss of fluids and electrolytes. In case of severe dehydration, the person should be immediately subjected to medical help and hence, calling an ambulance is the only alternative and also the best thing to do.

People are advised to drink 8 glasses of water every day and this should be strictly followed by everyone to prevent this condition. And, this means plain drinking water and not sodas or fruit juices. One must remember that dehydration can be easily prevented! This article is intended only to provide information. It is recommended to consult the doctor in case any signs and symptoms are observed.