Dehydration can be a very dangerous ailment if left untreated. It is important to recognize the state of dehydration as soon as possible and begin immediately to restore lost fluids. Factors such as thirst, visual disturbances and physical pain can indicate that the body is severely dehydrated. If dehydration is severe enough to cause symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, see your doctor right away. To prevent the problem from recurring in the future, you will need to adopt healthier habits.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to thirst
A state of mild dehydration can be signaled by a slight thirst. If, on the other hand, dehydration is becoming a serious problem, you may feel extremely thirsty. In addition to thirst, you may feel that your mouth or tongue is dry.
Step 2. Monitor your urine color
Check the toilet bowl after urinating. Urine color is a good indicator of a person's health status. They should be light yellow or straw yellow in color. If they are dark, it means that the body is dehydrated.
- If your urine is dark yellow, your body is moderately dehydrated and you need to drink water right away.
- If the urine is amber or brown, it means that the body is severely dehydrated. In such a case you should start drinking water immediately and contact your doctor if the problem persists.
Step 3. Pay attention to how you feel
Dehydration can cause mood swings. You may feel dizzy, frustrated, or angry. If you notice that you are out of sorts or nervous, it could be a result of dehydration if you also have physical symptoms.
If you are dehydrated, you may notice that you are irritable or choleric and find it difficult to concentrate even while doing routine activities
Step 4. Notice if you have visual disturbances
If you have blurry vision, it could be another symptom of dehydration. You may also have dry, sore, or sore eyes.
Step 5. Know that dehydration can cause skin loss in older people
If you are older, it can be difficult to understand that you are dehydrated. Pinch the skin on your arm or back of your hand and hold it tight for a few seconds. When you release it, you should see it return to its original position. If it stays up for a few seconds, rush to drink some water.
Step 6. Pay attention to the pains
Since the body needs water to function properly, dehydration can cause various ailments and pains. For example, headaches and muscle cramps are common symptoms of dehydration.
- In addition to having a headache, you may feel dizzy and confused.
- Cramps caused by dehydration can occur before or after exercising if you haven't drunk enough.
Part 2 of 3: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Go to the emergency room if you are dehydrated
If the dehydration is mild, you can treat yourself at home. If, on the other hand, you notice symptoms attributable to severe dehydration, you may be in danger and need an IV. Call emergency medical services right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
- State of lethargy or fatigue;
- Mental confusion;
- Dizziness
- Absence of urine for eight hours;
- Weak or rapid heartbeat;
- Lack of skin turgor;
- Dark or bloody stools
- Dysentery that has lasted for over 24 hours
- Inability to retain fluids in the stomach.
Step 2. Take tests if necessary
Your doctor will want to undergo some routine tests if your dehydration is severe. The results will help him identify any underlying disease causing dehydration and determine which treatment is most appropriate for you.
- Dehydration can be related to an electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, or a kidney disorder. Your doctor may order blood tests to check for these conditions. The cure will have to be decided on the basis of the cause.
- Your doctor will need to assess your dehydration level to find the correct therapy. Chances are he'll prescribe urinalysis.
Step 3. Ask your doctor how you can restore lost fluids
The only way to cure dehydration is to bring the fluids back to a normal level. A healthy adult can do this by drinking water. To restore lost fluids, babies and infants may need to take a special blend that contains water and salt.
- Your doctor may recommend that you not drink fruit juices or sodas to replenish lost fluids if you are dehydrated. Depending on a few factors, he may advise you to drink a different drink, such as a sports drink, if he has found that you are deficient in electrolytes.
- If the state of dehydration is very severe, fluids will be given to you intravenously.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding a Relapse
Step 1. Hydrate your body before and during exercise
In many cases, dehydration is caused by intense sweating during physical activity. The solution is to drink plenty of water before putting on any physical exertion. The ideal is to start hydrating your body a day in advance, so drink more water if you know that you will be under intense exertion tomorrow, for example if you are running a marathon.
- Keep drinking water until your urine is clear or pale yellow.
- While exercising, carry a bottle of water with you and sip it regularly to replenish the fluids you lose through sweating.
- If you have an active lifestyle, you should drink 2-3 glasses of water in the hours leading up to your workout. While exercising, drink a glass of water every 10-15 minutes to rehydrate your body, and after training, drink another 2-3 glasses of water.
Step 2. Drink more than usual when you are sick
Fever, vomiting, and dysentery can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and become dehydrated. This is why it is important to take more fluids, especially water, when you feel unwell.
If you have trouble retaining fluids in your stomach due to vomiting, you can try eating a popsicle or letting ice melt in your mouth
Step 3. Drink more when temperatures are extreme
When it is very hot or very cold outside, your body tends to become dehydrated, so make an effort to take in more fluids than usual. This way you won't risk your body becoming dehydrated.
