Dehydration can hit you much faster than you think. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. When the normal water content of the body is reduced, this can upset the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in the body. This change starts to affect the way the body functions and in the most extreme cases, it can contribute to a life-threatening illness like heat stroke.
What causes dehydration?
Simply put, a lack of water intake can cause dehydration. However, there are certain conditions that can make this more likely.
- Periods of high heat where water intake is limited.
- Periods of high heat experienced by those who are unwell (eg fever, diarrhea, or vomiting). This combination of heat plus losing of bodily fluids can lead to dehydration quickly.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration
- A headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Flushed skin
Who is at increased risk of suffering from dehydration?
Anyone can experience dehydration, but it is particularly important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of dehydration in the following groups:
- Babies and toddlers
- Children
- The Elderly
- Those on certain medications such as diuretics, oral medications for Type II diabetes, or chemotherapy drugs for cancer
All of these groups are very susceptible to dehydration and the situation can become very serious, very quickly. Be sure to keep a close eye on signs and symptoms.
Tips to prevent dehydration
- If you’re out in the sun for long periods of time, be sure to carry large quantities of water with you -in the car, on your person, or anywhere you’ll be spending more than a few hours.
- Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. It’s best to drink water periodically throughout the day.
- Pay attention to signs of dehydration such as dry cracked lips, headaches, or muscle cramps.
- If you’re in a hot climate or playing or working in the sun, be sure to increase your fluid intake to account for the extra water loss.
- Cool down with popsicles, ice cream, and other cold treats. This is especially useful for children.
- Don’t skip meals. You typically get much of your fluids from regular meals.
- Limit coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks
Enjoy the great summer weather but do so safely and always keep in mind your hydration status. If dehydration isn’t relieved with water or worsens over time, seek urgent help right away.
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
