Symptoms of Dehydration

So you have been feeling low in energy these days and your doctor has advised you to drink lots and lots of water. It may be one of the symptoms of dehydration. Let's find out what are its symptoms and how simple it is recognizing dehydration symptoms.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is opposite of hydration. It means loss of water. When our body tends to lose more than required amount of fluids, then the person is said to be dehydrated. Almost two third of our body consist of water. It is essential to maintain this water level in our bodies for proper functioning of it. Hence, if this level falls below the actual level required for normal body functions, the condition is known as dehydration.

Causes of Dehydration

Causes of dehydration can be many, few of the causes of dehydration includes,

• Non availability of drinkable water
• Exposure to heat
• Too much of alcohol intake can also cause dehydration
• Diabetes - It leads to increased glucose levels, hence to get rid of access glucose the kidneys produces more urine, making you dehydrated
• Sweating. Too much of exercise or physical activity can cause you to sweat excessively. Hence, it is important for you to make for the loss of water through sweat. It is recommended to keep drinking water in regular short intervals to avoid dehydration
• If you've got illness or fever then it will reduce your body metabolism and hence make yourself dehydrated
• Diarrhea and vomiting also causes dehydration

Symptoms of Dehydration in Children

Dehydration can be seen more in children than in adults or elderly people. In children, the causes of dehydration can be diarrhea, vomiting, too much of urinating, or not drinking enough water or fluids. It can also be caused by any disease which causes your child to refrain from eating or drinking. In children, symptoms of dehydration includes,

• Less urination, dry diapers
• Less active
• Sunken eyes, abdomen or cheeks
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Feels more lethargic
• Child will feel more irritated
• When your child is dehydrated, you will notice that tears doesn't come when your child cries

Symptoms of Dehydration in Elderly

The symptoms of dehydration in elderly people can be fairly different from that in adults and kids. If the symptoms of dehydration is seen in people above 65 years old then they may be required to be hospitalized. One of the most common symptoms is that, the skin of dehydrated elderly people will be rough and if gently scratched by nail, it will leave a mark on the skin. The reason why this happens is because of less moisture in the skin. Also, if the skin is pinched, it remains in the same form rather than coming back to normal. Few of the signs of dehydration in elderly people includes,

• Decreased urination
• Dry mucous membrane
• Acute weight loss
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Inability to Urinate
• Weakness

Symptoms of Dehydration During Pregnancy

Dehydration during pregnancy can be really harmful for the mother and baby both. Hence, it's really very important to take proper care of the mother during pregnancy not only for dehydration but otherwise too. Dehydration causes fatigue to pregnant women, which can be harmful as pregnant women already have low energy levels. Mentioned below are few of the dehydration symptoms in pregnancy.

• Thirst. You will feel more thirsty as you body commands for more water
• Dark yellow colored urine
• Headache
• Weakness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dry mouth and chapped lips

Since dehydration is loss of bodily fluids, most of these are also common symptoms of dehydration in women. Treatment of dehydration is quite simple and it may not be even called a treatment. In few severe dehydration cases, you may be given medication or rehydrating solution. Otherwise, to make sure that you are properly hydrated, increase your water intake capacity. It means just drink lots and lots of water.