Dehydration

Guide Note

Medically, dehydration occurs when the body has an insufficient amount of water to function properly. Once the human body loses two percent of its normal amount of water, dehydration symptoms begin to present themselves.¹ If left untreated, severe cases of dehydration can result in death.²

Fast Facts

1. Caused by various different diseases and conditions³
2. Symptoms begin once 2 percent of the body's water is lost
3. A water loss of more than 15 percent is usually fatal
4. Most people don't consume enough fluids⁴
5. Mild dehydration can slow down metabolism by up to 3 percent⁵
6. The elderly are most often hospitalized for dehydration⁶
7. Monitor your urine and drink water to prevent dehydration⁷

• Physical activity over an extended period of time without water
• Extended period of time in dry air
• Blood loss
• Diarrhea
• Hyperthermia
• Shock
• Vomiting
• Burns
• Use of methamphetamines
• Cholera
• Gastroenteritis
• Shigellosis
• Yellow fever
• Malnutrition
• Hyperglycemia

• Headaches
• Muscle Cramps
• Visual Snow episode
• A decrease in blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Thirst
• Discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Skin may wrinkle
• Urination may be painful
• Delirium may set in
• Unconsciousness
• Swelling of tongue

• Drink water
• Avoid solid foods if you have diarrhea
• Oral hydration therapy
• Intravenous therapy
• Avoid sweating to minimize loss of water

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for information on dehydration.