10 Signs That You're Dehydrated

You lose a bit of water every time you urinate and sweat, but normal eating and drinking typically provide you with enough to replace these mild activities. 

But if you work out and sweat excessively or have diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever, you lose more water than usual and quickly become dehydrated. It’s easy to miss the symptoms if you don’t know what you’re looking for, which is why dehydration is the top reason people end up in the emergency room. 

Because dehydration is so common — about three-fourths of the American population is water deficient — we offer a quick and easy way to avoid this serious problem. At WiseCare Urgent Care, Dr. Perry Weisman and our expert team of medical professionals provide IV fluid hydration treatment on a walk-in basis every day of the year, even at night and on weekends. 

Why does your body need so much water?

Water is essential for vital bodily functions, including:

• Hormone production

• Cell renewal

• Oxygen delivery

• Digestion

• Temperature regulation

• Waste elimination

• Protection for brain and spinal cord

If you lack water, you’re at risk for several severe consequences.

If you’re severely dehydrated, you need more than a glass of water can do; you need medical help. 

How to tell if you’re dehydrated

Thirst is only one way your body lets you know you need more water. Unfortunately, many people miss other signs or dismiss them as a different problem altogether. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 signs of dehydration.

1. Fatigue, digestive disorders, and constipation

   Dehydration makes you feel sluggish and run-down. It also makes it hard for your body to eliminate waste. 

2. Dizziness and hangovers

   You may feel lightheaded if you’re dehydrated and have frequent hangover symptoms after drinking alcohol (which depletes your water supply).

3. Migraines and confusion

   Your brain suffers when you don’t get enough water, making it hard to concentrate. And for some people, dehydration is a migraine trigger. 

4. Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, high cholesterol

   Your cardiovascular system relies on a healthy water supply to regulate your heart rate and maintain proper cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

5. Skin disorders

   There’s a difference between dry skin (which lacks oil) and dehydrated skin (which lacks water). Dry skin may be red, scaly, and flaky and gets better with lotion. But dehydrated skin shows up as itchiness, sunken eyes, wrinkles, and dullness, and you may have dark circles under your eyes.

6. Joint pain and muscle cramps

   Your joints need water for lubrication and to reduce friction on your cartilage. Your muscles also use water to cool off, so when you work out in warm weather and don’t stay hydrated, your muscles seize up or cramp. 

7. Kidney problems

   Water helps keep your blood vessels open so blood can flow as it carries essential nutrients throughout your body, including your kidneys. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage.

8. pH imbalance

   Your blood needs to maintain the correct balance of acidic and basic compounds to function. This is called pH balance, and when it’s out of whack, your vital organs suffer. Dehydration can tip the balance. 

9. Asthma and allergies

   Histamines are neurotransmitters essential for the flow of water throughout your body. When you’re low on water, your body produces more histamines, which trigger allergies and asthma. 

10. Weight gain

    When your body lacks water, it slows down all its metabolic systems, including how it uses food for energy, hormone production, and the rate of waste elimination, all of which can lead to weight gain. 

A special note about children and dehydration

Babies and young children can’t communicate their needs, and if it’s hard for adults to recognize dehydration in themselves, imagine the frustration children experience. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs to watch for if you suspect your child might be dehydrated:

• Dry crying (no tears)

• Dry tongue and mouth

• Unexplained irritability

• No wet diapers for three hours or more

• Sunken soft spot

• Sunken eyes and cheeks

These are signs of serious dehydration, and you should see us right away for medical treatment. 

Get your IV fluid hydration

You can avoid or resolve most of these hydration-related issues by coming in for an IV fluid hydration treatment. Of course, our staff first evaluates your health and your symptoms to rule out other possible problems. But if it’s hydration you need, we insert an IV into your arm and deliver fluids and essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream for fast and effective results.

To learn more about IV fluid hydration and find out if it’s right for you, contact us at either of our two locations in Severna Park or Pasadena, Maryland or walk in and chat with us. Our friendly team is here to help.