🩺Dehydration And Its Warning Signs

Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Water is essential for blood circulation, temperature control, digestion, and brain function. Even mild dehydration can affect how you feel, severe dehydration can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.
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Below are the common warning signs of dehydration:

📌Dry mouth and cracked lips
→ Sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
→ Dry tongue and lips
→ Reduced saliva production

📌Dark-colored urine
→ Urine becomes yellow to amber in color
→ Strong-smelling urine
→ Indicates concentrated urine due to low fluid levels

📌Decreased urination
→ Passing urine less often than usual
→ Small amounts of urine each time
→ Serious sign when combined with fatigue or dizziness
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📌Dizziness or lightheadedness
→ Feeling faint when standing up
→ Due to reduced blood volume
→ Can increase risk of falls

📌Poor skin turgor (skin stays lifted when pinched)
→ Skin loses elasticity
→ Pinched skin takes time to return to normal
→ Common sign in moderate to severe dehydration

📌Sunken eyes
→ Eyes appear hollow or tired
→ Often seen in children and elderly
→ Indicates significant fluid loss

📌Persistent fatigue and weakness
→ Low energy levels
→ Feeling exhausted easily
→ Muscles may feel weak

📌Rapid heart rate
→ Heart beats faster to compensate for low blood volume
→ May feel palpitations
→ Seen in moderate to severe dehydration

📌Confusion or mental fog (severe dehydration)
→ Difficulty thinking clearly
→ Irritability or restlessness
→ In severe cases, altered consciousness

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Why dehydration is dangerous

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→ Reduces blood circulation
→ Affects kidney function
→ Disrupts electrolyte balance
→ Can lead to heat exhaustion, kidney injury, or shock

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Who is at higher risk

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→ Children and elderly
→ People with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
→ Athletes and outdoor workers
→ Individuals with diabetes or kidney disease

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When to seek urgent medical help

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→ Very little or no urine output
→ Severe dizziness or confusion
→ Rapid heartbeat with weakness
→ Sunken eyes with dry mouth
→ Inability to keep fluids down
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✍Key Point

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→ Dehydration can start silently but worsen quickly.
→ Light-colored urine usually means good hydration.
→ Drink water regularly, not only when thirsty
→ Early rehydration prevents serious complications.

N/B: If dehydration symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical care immediately.