The symptoms of dehydration can vary depending on its severity. Tiredness, thirst, sunken eyes and a rapid heart rate are symptoms that can be a direct result of dehydration.
As children spend more time exerting themselves on playgrounds and as adults increase outdoor activities during the summer and early fall months, it is important to be aware of these key symptoms and how to treat dehydration.
Symptoms of Moderate and Severe Dehydration
Mild-to-moderate dehydration can cause:
- Thirst
- Dry and/or sticky mouth
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Decreased amount of urine
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
Severe dehydration is considered to be a medical emergency and can cause the following symptoms:
- Extreme thirst
- Irritability, delirium, or unconsciousness
- Dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes
- Little to no urine
- Sunken eyes
- Shriveled, dry skin
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
Causes of Dehydration
The most common causes of dehydration include:
- Heat exposure
- Excessive exercise
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes
Anything that causes rapid fluid loss of any kind can lead to dehydration if you’re not properly rehydrating.
How to Prevent and Treat Dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water at an equal or greater rate than you are losing it. Dehydration can become life-threatening, so be sure to keep a bottle of water with you during any form of physical activity or if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Children playing on playgrounds or busy with other activities should be reminded to take regular water breaks.
Most of the time, minor dehydration can be treated at home by:
- Sipping water
- Sipping a sports drink that contains electrolytes
- Sucking on ice cubes
- Avoiding salt
However, at-home treatment alone will not resolve more severe dehydration symptoms. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing:
- Severe diarrhea, with or without vomiting or fever
- Moderate diarrhea for over 24 hours
- Bloody or black stool
- Extreme tiredness or sleepiness
FastMed Urgent Care Treats Dehydration Symptoms
If you think that you or someone you know may be showing the symptoms of severe dehydration, visit a medical professional at your nearest FastMed Urgent Care to get the treatment you need.
If you have any further healthcare questions, be sure to check out our Health Resources Center for the answers you need. Don’t ignore your dehydration symptoms! Find compassionate and quick care at FastMed Urgent Care.
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Sources:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults
Medline Plus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article