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Your body consists of 50-70% water, which supports virtually every function. Still, you need to consume enough water through hydrating drinks and foods to stay healthy, especially when you’re losing excessive amounts of fluid.
Recognizing and addressing dehydration symptoms can help keep you healthy and functioning well, while also protecting you from complications.
Our expert team at First Response Urgent Care, located in downtown Brooklyn, New York, diagnoses and treats dehydration to reduce your symptoms and prevent complications.
Read on to learn more about dehydration, including signs to take seriously.
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in through urination and sweating. Once you’re dehydrated, parts of your body, including your brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract, can’t perform well.
Common dehydration causes include:
While anyone can become dehydrated, young kids and seniors are at a heightened risk for complications.
Dehydration doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms immediately, and some signs are quite subtle at first. Common signs include:
A dry or sticky mouth is an early warning sign of dehydration. By the time you're thirsty, you could already be mildly dehydrated.
When you’re hydrated, your urine likely appears pale yellow or translucent, although certain supplements can affect urine color, too. If you haven’t taken a supplement or sipped a vitamin-infused drink and yet your urine appears dark yellow, you likely need to increase your fluid intake.
Over time, a lack of fluids causes your skin to lose moisture. In addition to dryness, your skin may stay “tented” after you pinch it.
Hydration plays a big role in your sense of balance and stability. Dehydration, on the other hand, lowers your blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you stand up quickly.
Many factors fuel headaches, including dehydration. Even mild dehydration can worsen an existing headache, especially in warm weather or after too little sleep.
Dehydration causes your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. As a result, you’re likely to feel exhausted or fatigued.
Dehydration can cause poor oxygen supply and cell shrinkage in your brain. When that happens, you may struggle to focus, recall information, or think clearly.
Addressing early signs of dehydration can help stave off severe issues, such as heart problems, kidney failure, seizures, and hypovolemic shock. Seek immediate medical care if you notice symptoms like severe agitation or anxiety, heart palpitations, or breathing challenges.
To alleviate mild dehydration at home, start by sipping small amounts of water. A drink containing electrolytes, along with rest in a cool area, can help if you’ve been sweating profusely. Foods that help restore normal hydration levels include fresh fruits and vegetables, applesauce, yogurt, and popsicles.
If you’re concerned about dehydration or if self-care measures don’t quickly help, our team may recommend intravenous (IV) therapy at Boost Hydro. This full-service infusion center serving downtown Brooklyn and New York City is located at 979 Fulton Street in Brooklyn.
To get expert care for your or a loved one’s dehydration signs, call First Response Urgent Care or book an appointment through our website today.
