A healthy human body is made up of two-thirds water. Your body rehydrates by consuming water and water-dense foods. However, there are times when the fluid levels are not equal to the body’s requirements, and you experience dehydration.
Dehydration causes mineral (sugar and salt) imbalances that affect how your body functions. Altering of electrolyte levels in the body can have dire effects, including organ failure, which can lead to death. Water lubricates the eyes and joints, keeps the skin healthy, helps in digestion and flushes out toxins. Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe.
Dehydration symptoms
Although body dehydration problems in Macomb, MI, may show different symptoms in different age groups and dehydration levels, the most common symptoms include:
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Dry mouth
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Thirst
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Few or no tears
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Muscle cramps
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Decreased and yellow than normal urine
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Fatigue, dizziness, and headaches
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Dry skin
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Dry and sunken eyes
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Fainting
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Heart palpitations
You can prevent dehydration by drinking enough fluids and eating foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. If you are exposed to a hot environment, exercise a lot, or have diarrhea or are vomiting, you should increase fluids intake to ensure you are not at risk of dehydration.
Diarrhea and vomiting
Diarrhea is among the common dehydration problem in Macomb, MI. A single bowel movement leads to a significant amount of water loss. Apart from the water lost through the vomitus, nausea can worsen dehydration since you might not be able to replenish the lost fluids through drinking.
Medical concerns
Conditions such as fever and diabetes are known to cause dehydration. An increase in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes causes sugar to spill into the urine, resulting in lost water.
Frequent urination
This is mostly as a result of diabetes and other medical concerns such as diuretics, antipsychotics, high blood pressure and antihistamines. Frequent urination may also be caused by alcoholism, which results in excessive water loss.
Sweat
When you are dealing with a fever, rigorous physical exercise, or in a hot environment, you can sweat and lose more water. If you fail to take enough water to replenish your body, dehydration problems could become worse.
Burns and skin inflammatory conditions
If your skin’s capability to provide a protective barrier for your body is compromised, you can easily lose water and experience dehydration. This may result from burns or other inflammatory skin problems such as toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Inability to hydrate
If you are unable to drink enough fluids, you are prone to dehydration. Although dehydration can affect anyone, older adults and young children are more at risk. Older adults may not be able to access fluids, consume enough water or perhaps are suffering from another condition which causes dehydration. Young children may not be able to communicate when they are thirsty. Moreover, babies are more susceptible to severe vomiting and diarrhea, meaning they are vulnerable to dehydration problems.
If you are adequately hydrating but still note some of the symptoms of dehydration in Macomb, MI, especially in young babies, it is advisable to seek immediate, professional medical assistance. Dehydration is a medical emergency and should be professionally managed.