Dehydration
Due to a recent story in the local news and the 110°+ temps I thought this was something that needs to be shared.
What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
The body’s initial responses to dehydration are:
Thirst Once you feel thirsty you are already into the initial stages of dehydration
Decreased urine output The urine will become concentrated and darker in color.
As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can become apparent. The following are further signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- dry mouth
- the eyes stop making tears
- sweating may stop
- muscle cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- lightheadedness (especially when standing).
The body tries to maintain cardiac output (the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart to the body); and if the amount of fluid in the intravascular space is decreased, the body has to increase the heart rate, which causes blood vessels to constrict to maintain blood pressure. This coping mechanism begins to fail as the level of dehydration increases.
With severe dehydration, confusion and weakness will occur as the brain and other body organs receive less blood. Finally, coma and organ failure will occur if the dehydration remains untreated.
What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
The body’s initial responses to dehydration are:
- Thirst – Once you feel thirsty you are already into the initial stages of dehydration
- Decreased urine output. The urine will become concentrated and darker in color.
As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can become apparent. The following are further signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- dry mouth
- the eyes stop making tears
- sweating may stop
- muscle cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- lightheadedness (especially when standing).
The body tries to maintain cardiac output (the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart to the body); and if the amount of fluid in the intravascular space is decreased, the body has to increase the heart rate, which causes blood vessels to constrict to maintain blood pressure. This coping mechanism begins to fail as the level of dehydration increases.
With severe dehydration, confusion and weakness will occur as the brain and other body organs receive less blood. Finally, coma and organ failure will occur if the dehydration remains untreated.
