How do you know if you are dehydrated? Doctor’s 5 signs you can’t ignore

How do you know if you are dehydrated? The doctor has named 5 signs you can’t ignore

It’s not just thirst that speaks to this.

Allergologist-immunologist, pediatrician, expert of the Medical Faculty of Synergy University

Dehydration may not only be due to intense exercise or excessive salt intake. Trauma, bleeding, severe diarrhea, burns and other ailments can also cause a significant lack of water in the body.

Causes for decreased body fluid volume can include loss of sodium and water due to:

• skin: sweat, burns, and other dermatologic conditions;
• gastrointestinal tract: vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding and external drainage after surgery;
• kidneys: effects of diuretics, some kidney and adrenal diseases;
• accumulation of fluid in the body in the form of intestinal obstruction, tissue damage, fracture.

What are the 5 symptoms to look out for when dehydration is suspected?

Thirst

The desire to drink is one of the most important symptoms that saves a person’s life. In this case, the mucous membranes of the tongue and cheeks become dry, saliva is produced less. Sometimes even mouthwash can reduce this feeling.

It is important to remember that not all drinks should be consumed when thirsty. For example, sweet and strong drinks (tea, coffee), on the contrary, remove fluid from the body. Ordinary water in this case is the best remedy.

Reduced tone and elasticity of the skin

If the skin on the thigh, shin or forearm is pinched in young people without dehydration, it will immediately return to normal when released. Fluid loss leads to decreased skin turgor, and the epidermis flattens more slowly after the clamp is released.

Decrease in blood pressure

For adults, a blood pressure of less than 90/60 mmHg can lead not only to dizziness, especially when the body is verticalized, but also to severe complications such as shock.

Shock is a decrease in blood flow in tissues, which significantly impairs their function and can lead to death. A decrease in blood volume of more than 30% can be the cause of this condition.

Muscle weakness

Fatigue, fatigue can also be symptoms of dehydration. In addition, electrolyte imbalances in the blood can lead to cramps – involuntary contraction of the muscle without a period of relaxation. This condition is characterized by a decrease in magnesium and calcium.

Changes in blood and urine tests

Such indicators serve as an additional indicator of dehydration. The decrease in urine volume is due to the fact that the kidneys excrete less of it.

In a general blood test, you may see an increase in hematocrit, as it reflects the ratio of red blood cells to the total volume of blood fluid. Also, albumin and creatinine may increase as one of the indicators of kidney function.

Knowledge and timely diagnosis of dehydration will help to avoid serious complications.

For an adult, the norm of water consumption is 25-30 ml/kg per day, but the need may increase depending on physical activity, diet and various diseases. However, your own body is the best guide in determining how much water you need.