Dehydration





Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough water to maintain its usual functions. This happens when your water intake is not enough to replace your water loss. Excessive sweating, intense breathing due to vigorous activities, and hot weather can cause dehydration. Other common causes include vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. Mild to moderate dehydration often does not require hospitalization. Severe cases of dehydration may require treatment from emergency personnel.




;
Complications





The body needs water to carry out a large variety of processes in the body. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot function properly and there can be several short-term and long-term consequences.




;
Signs and Symptoms





Mild or moderate dehydration;can lead to:





a dry or sticky mouth or tongue





thirst





dark-colored urine or decreased urination





dizziness, nausea, headaches





dry skin, including chapped lips





constipation





sleepiness or tiredness




Severe dehydration;can lead to:
inability to sweat or produce tears





extreme thirst





little to no urine production





rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure





fevers





unconsciousness





What Can Be Done





The simplest and most effective way to treat dehydration is to increase the amount of water and fluids in the body. Most cases of mild or moderate dehydration can be resolved with the oral intake of water. More severe cases of dehydration may require intravenous (IV) hydration, where water and electrolyte levels are replenished through a vein, which would take effect much more quickly than by oral intake.





A simple method to keep yourself hydrated is to keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip it throughout the day.;