Can Dehydration Be a Medical Emergency?
- Category: Blog
- Posted On:
- Written By: St. John's Health
When to Seek Treatment for Dehydration
Whether you’re sick or are spending plenty of time outdoors, it can be easy to forget to drink enough fluids and your body can quickly become dehydrated. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, dehydration can cause severe health consequences if left untreated.
Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as prevention and treatment tips.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is a condition that results when the body does not have enough fluids to function properly. You may become dehydrated due to a number of conditions, including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and urinating too often.
However, dehydration can also be caused by not drinking enough fluids or by losing too much fluid through burns. This often happens over the summer months. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Dark urine
- Decreased urination
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Prevention Tips
There are several ways to prevent dehydration, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water
- Avoiding hot weather or strenuous activity if possible
- Wearing loose, cool clothing
- Taking breaks often if you are outside in the heat
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Eating foods that contain water, such as fruits and vegetables
Severe Complications
Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, seizures, and death. This condition can be especially dangerous for young children and elderly adults. If you think you or someone you know may be dehydrated, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Emergency symptoms of dehydration include:
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth and throat
- No tears when crying
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fever
