Dehydration is the condition caused by excessive loss of water from the body. In this article, we have provided complete information on the signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Signs Of Dehydration

Dehydration can be defined as the condition in which the body experiences excessive loss of water. A major portion of the human body is made of water, which contributes about 75% to the body weight. In some circumstances, body begins to lose huge quantity of water, a condition that is termed as dehydration. Usually experienced in the summer time, the most probable causes of dehydration include vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss and malnutrition. Apart from that, you can also get dehydrated if you do not drink enough fluids to replenish the water lost due to sweating and urination. Many illnesses and diseases also increase the temperature of the body, leading to excessive sweating and the result is dehydration. In the following lines, we tell you about the signs and symptoms that point to the occurrence of dehydration. Be aware about the symptoms of dehydration and take immediate action to fight against it!
 
Dehydration Signs & Symptoms
Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe in nature. Each of these stages has its own signs and symptoms. We bring you the main recognizable symptoms below.
 
Mild Dehydration
These symptoms are noticed when dehydration has just started and body has lost around 2.5 percent of its fluids. Dehydration begins with the first symptoms of thirst and grows to have alarming manifestations. 
  • Chills
  • Dark colored urine
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Head rushes
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Skin flushing
  • Sleepiness
  • Thirst  
Moderate Dehydration
Moderate symptoms take place if you do not start drinking fluids even at the occurrence of the mild symptoms. In this case, the loss of fluids is around 5 percent. 
  • Declining urination
  • Decreased sweating
  • Headache
  • Heightened respiration
  • High body temperature
  • Increased heart rate
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Tingling sensation in the limbs
  • Too much fatigue 
Severe Dehydration (State of Emergency)
If you let dehydration continue unabated and do not take any corrective measures, it will reach emergency levels, where the fluid loss goes up to 10 percent. 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Dim vision
  • Lack of sweating
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle spasms
  • Painful urination
  • Racing pulse
  • Seizures
  • Shriveled skin
  • Sunken eyes
  • Too little or no Urination
  • Unconsciousness
  • Vomiting 
Tips To Fight Against Dehydration 
  • Since dehydration is the condition of losing water from body, its treatment includes rehydration of water in the body.
  • During dehydration, a person loses electrolytes. It is very much important that the electrolytes are also replenished in the body, along with the water. Sodium and potassium salts are the best types of electrolytes that work towards rehydration. These salts can be obtained from sports drinks.
  • If a person has minor symptoms of dehydration, he can be given plenty of water to overcome the condition. Small salty snack or a very light meal can help replenish the electrolyte balance in the body.
  • In case, the person shows moderate or severe dehydration, mere ingestion of fluids will not help. You need to give him immediate medical help to fight against the condition.
  • Make it a habit to drink water at regular intervals, to prevent dehydration. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day.

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