Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Summer is a time for fun and outdoor activities, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. During this hot season many people suffer from dehydration, especially young children and seniors. When you eliminate more water and salts than you replace, dehydration results - your system literally dries out. Sometimes dehydration occurs for simple reasons: You don't drink enough because you're sick or busy, or because you lack access to potable water when you're traveling, hiking or camping. Hot weather and high humidity.

According to the Mayo Clinic: Below are signs and symptoms of dehydration that you should be aware of.

Mild to moderate dehydration

Dry, sticky mouth
Sleepiness or tiredness - children are likely to be less active than usual
Thirst
Decreased urine output - fewer than six wet diapers a day for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
Few or no tears when crying
Muscle weakness
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:

Extreme thirst
Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
Lack of sweating
Little or no urination - any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
Sunken eyes
Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
In infants, sunken fontanels - the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Fever

Thirst isn't always an accurate way to determine the need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better way to know is by the color of your urine. Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

Obviously the best way to avoid dehydration is prevention. To prevent dehydration, consume plenty of fluids and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people. Fluids can be obtained not just from water but also from other beverages and foods.

You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating.

Risk Factors
Anyone can become dehydrated if the loss of fluids outweighs fluid intake. But certain people are at greater risk.
Infants and children are especially vulnerable because of their small body weights and high turnover of water and electrolytes. They're also the group most likely to experience diarrhea. In the United States, diarrhea remains one of the most common childhood illnesses.

Older Adults: As you age, you become more susceptible to dehydration for several reasons: The body's ability to conserve water is reduced, thirst sense is acute and you're less able to respond to changes in temperature. People in nursing homes or living alone, tend to eat less than younger people do and sometimes may forget to eat or drink altogether. Disability or neglect also may prevent them from being well nourished. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes, by hormonal changes associated with menopause and by the use of certain medications.

Enjoy the weather this summer but be sure to do it safely. Be sure you and your family are drinking plenty of fluids. If you or anyone you know should still end up dehydrated be sure to rehydrate right away! If you experience any severe symptoms seek medical attention right away!