Q. what are the symptoms & causes of dehydration?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in the body's electrolytes and fluids. The severity of dehydration can vary, ranging from mild to severe. Here are the common symptoms and causes of dehydration:
Symptoms of Dehydration:
Increased Thirst: One of the first signs of dehydration is an intense feeling of thirst.
Dark Urine: Urine that is darker in color than usual is a clear indicator of dehydration. Dark yellow or amber urine suggests concentrated urine due to lack of fluid intake.
Dry Mouth and Dry Skin: Dehydrated individuals might experience a dry, sticky feeling in their mouth and a lack of moisture in their skin.
Fatigue: Dehydration can lead to feelings of tiredness and reduced energy levels.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Insufficient fluids can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
Headache: Dehydration may trigger headaches or exacerbate existing ones.
Rapid Heartbeat and Rapid Breathing: As the body tries to compensate for the lack of fluids, the heart rate and respiratory rate might increase.
Dry or Sunken Eyes: Dehydration can cause the eyes to appear dry or sunken.
Muscle Cramps: Electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration might lead to muscle cramps and discomfort.
Confusion or Irritability: Dehydration can affect cognitive function, leading to confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Causes of Dehydration:
Inadequate Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough fluids, especially water, is the primary cause of dehydration.
Excessive Sweating: Engaging in intense physical activity, particularly in hot and humid conditions, can lead to significant fluid loss through sweating.
Illness: Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can result in increased fluid loss and contribute to dehydration.
Heat Exposure: Spending time in hot weather without sufficient fluid intake can lead to dehydration.
High Altitudes: Being at high altitudes can increase water loss through increased respiration and greater urine output.
Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and certain antihypertensive drugs, can lead to increased urination and contribute to dehydration.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effects, meaning they can lead to increased urine output and contribute to dehydration.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cystic fibrosis, can make the body more susceptible to dehydration.