What does it mean?
This happens when you lose more water than you take in. This makes it difficult for your body to perform basic tasks like maintaining a stable temperature and eliminating waste. Sweat, tears, and every time you go to the toilet lose water. Even the breath leaves you a little. In general, it is compensated by eating and drinking. But hot weather, exercise, and illness can throw off your balance.
How does dehydration affect you?
More than half of your body weight comes from water. If your levels are off, it can manifest in a surprising number of ways. Mild dehydration can make you feel tired and have a headache. Your mental focus, mood, and even memory will take a bit of a hit. When you’re pushing yourself hard at the gym, all that sweating can deplete your blood volume a bit.
Is thirst a sign of dehydration?
Yes, but don’t panic. That’s just how the body works. By the time you feel the urge to quench your thirst, you’re already a little dehydrated. If you pay attention and drink when your body tells you to, it’s not a problem. For seniors, the lag may be a little longer. So it helps to get into the habit of drinking water, especially when it’s hot outside or when you’re sick.
Who is likely to experience this?
If you sit up and throw up, you can lose up to a gallon of water a day. Because babies and children are smaller, they are more prone to dehydration than adults. Elderly people need to be vigilant as the sense of thirst fades with age. Kidney disease and certain medical conditions can dehydrate your body. Pregnant and lactating women should drink more than usual.
Early childhood symptoms
Babies and toddlers can’t always tell what’s going on in their bodies. Note dry tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for 3 hours, and more noise than usual. In more severe cases, the mouth may become dry and sticky, and the eyes and cheeks may appear sunken. They may also have rapid breathing and a fast or weak pulse. A soft spot on your baby’s head may also become indented.
Symptoms in adults and children
You may feel thirsty and your mouth may feel dry and sticky. You will not urinate often – at least 4 times a day. When you pass, your pee will not be heavy and will have a dark or strong smell. Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up, may cause fainting. As it gets worse, the thirst increases. Your breathing and heart rate may be faster than normal. You may feel overheated, confused, and frustrated.