This week, I want to talk to you about hydration and how important it is. Now that summer is just about upon us, keeping yourself and your loved ones hydrated is an extremely important task. Dehydration can strike with very little prior warning, especially in those that are extremely young or those who are quite a bit older. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for in regards to dehydration for those of all ages.
- Extreme Thirst
- Dark Urine
- Less Frequent Urination
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Listlessness
- Irritability
- Dry Mouth and Tongue
In Children
- No Tears While Crying
- No Wet Diapers In Over 3-4 Hours
- Sunken Eyes and Cheeks
- Sunken Soft Spot on Skull
- Fever
The reasons for dehydration are almost as numerous as the symptoms. It may be caused by the obvious or not drinking enough water. This can happen to most of us, especially if we are working outside on a particularly warm day. However, there are times that you need to keep fluids in your body that you may not think about. These include when you are sick with a fever, if you have been sweating more than usual such as with a new workout routine, if you have been urinating more than usual which can be a sign of another medical issue such as diabetes or pregnancy, or if you have had diarrhea. If you or a loved one have been experiencing any of these problems, remind them or yourself to drink more water to replenish the body’s natural store.
Dehydration is an extremely serious problem. It can cause many different issues. Some of these include:
- Heat Disorders. Problems such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion are no joke and can come on suddenly if you are outside and not drinking enough water.
- Low Blood Volume (Hypovolemic) Shock. This is potentially life threatening and occurs when your blood volume is low along with your blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- Seizures. Electrolytes help to keep your body running normally, and if they are out of balance you may experience a seizure.
- Kidney and Urinary Disorders. Frequent dehydration can cause kidney infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections along with other issues.
Please remember to drink lots of water this summer!!
