Prolonged episodes of exercise, fever or diarrhea can cause the body to lose fluid. Patients who experience an excessive loss of body fluid that they do not replenish can develop general symptoms of dehydration. These side effects can become life threatening--especially in children or elderly patients--if prompt treatment is not received, explains MayoClinic.com.
Dry Mouth or Increased Thirst
A patient who does not have an adequate amount of bodily fluids can experience sensations of dry mouth due to dehydration. An affected patient can develop a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth that accompanies an increase in thirst, explains Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia established by the National Institutes of Health. Certain patients may also experience a sore throat or have difficulty swallowing. If these symptoms of dehydration occur, affected patients should drink more fluids.
Headache
Low levels of fluid in the body can cause headache symptoms in certain patients suffering from dehydration, explains MayoClinic.com. Painful headache symptoms can occur suddenly within any region of the head. These headache symptoms can range from mild to severe and may persist until adequate fluid levels are restored.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Patients who become dehydrated can experience dizziness or lightheadedness as symptoms of low fluid levels, explains TeensHealth, a children's health information website established by the Nemours Foundation. Affected patients can appear unstable while standing or walking. Severe fluid loss can cause fainting, loss of consciousness or coma and requires prompt medical attention.
Weakness or Fatigue
Inadequate fluid levels within the body can cause symptoms of weakness or fatigue in affected patients. Patients with dehydration can appear unusually lethargic or confused and may be unable to remain alert and focused. A patient who develops any of these general symptoms of dehydration should receive medical care immediately.
Decreased Urination or Sweating
Patients with unusually low fluid levels may not urinate or sweat as usual. Affected patients may notice that their urine appears unusually dark or concentrated, explains Medline Plus. Infants or young children who are dehydrated may without producing tears. Extremely low fluid levels can also cause a patient's eyes to appear sunken or abnormal. These general symptoms of dehydration should be reported to a physician immediately.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can occur as a general symptom of dehydration, report health officials at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville. Dehydrated patients can develop red, flaky or irritated skin that may begin to itch. This symptom of dehydration typically occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion or dry mouth.
