Water accounts for about two-thirds of the human body. From blood circulation, to lubricating the eyes and joints, to flushing out toxins and wastes, there is no arguing that water is a necessity for life. When someone experiences a deficit of water, it can potentially turn into a medical emergency. Inform yourself about the causes of dehydration and how it can be prevented by reading this educational blog.
What is Dehydration and What Causes It?
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have the adequate amount of fluids it needs to function properly. While the human body normally loses and uses up water by urinating, defecating, sweating, and through saliva and tears, if more fluids are lost than are replenished, it can cause an imbalance in the body. Dehydration can range from mild to moderate and even reach severe/critical levels, and it is more dangerous when it involves young children and older adults.
Some common causes of dehydration apart from a lack of water intake include:
- Excessive sweating
- Urinating more than usual
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Certain medications such as diuretics
- Chronic illnesses including cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and those with kidney complications
Signs & Symptoms of Dehydration
Sometimes when we are too busy with our daily lives, we forget to hydrate ourselves. Additionally, we can become unaware and not realize that our body needs fluids. Either way, there are certain signs you can look out for to tell if you are in need of replenishing.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration:
- Dark yellow urine
- Dry and/or sticky mouth
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Less urination as usual
Signs of severe dehydration include:
- Dizziness
- Very dark yellow urine
- Very dry skin
- Fainting
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Lack of energy/sleepiness
- Sunken eyes
How to Avoid Dehydration
While dehydration can be prevented and sometimes even treatable with over-the-counter products found at a drugstore, medical attention should always be sought after if you suspect that you are experiencing severe dehydration.
Some ways to prevent dehydration from reaching critical levels include:
- Ensuring that you are paying attention to the possible signs of dehydration
- Responding to your body when it is signaling thirst as soon as possible
- Checking the color of your urine (dark yellow is an indication of dehydration)
- Drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, since your body has been resting without any source of hydration
- Eating hydrating food such as berries, celery, melons, and iceberg lettuce
- Increasing water intake when exercising, working in hot conditions, and when you are sick
- Incorporating electrolyte-infused beverages when needed (be wary of beverages containing a high amount of sugar)
- Drinking over beverages if water is not readily available
Confide With ER of Texas in Dallas, TX
An emergency professional can even determine if your cause of dehydration is attributable to a medical condition. Here at the ER of Texas, our exceptional team is here to always help you, no matter the reason for your visit. We can provide you with treatment including oral rehydration solutions along with intravenous fluids if necessary. No matter what age, our emergency care providers are here to help you regain your health and return to your normal routine.
Visit the ER of Texas to get rapid and thorough treatment for dehydration. To learn more, give us a call us at to see how we can assist you.