Dehydration occurs when you lose fluid from your body, and it can be life-threatening. The severity of dehydration is measured by the percentage of body weight reduction due to fluid loss. Mild dehydration occurs when 1 to 2 percent of your body weight is lost, moderate dehydration occurs when 3 to 5 percent of your body weight is lost and severe dehydration occurs when you lose more than 5 percent of your body weight due to fluid loss.
Mild to Moderate
One of the best indicators of dehydration is the color of your urine, according to MayoClinic.com. Dark yellow urine indicates that your body needs more fluid. Other symptoms of mild or moderate dehydration include a dry mouth, tiredness or fatigue, thirst, dry skin, headache, constipation or dizziness.
Severe
Severe dehydration will cause symptoms such as severe thirst and excess fussiness in children and babies. Adults may experience confusion and irritability. Severe dehydration will also cause dry mouth and a lack of sweat, no urination or dark amber urine, sunken eyes, dry skin that won't return to its normal position when pinched, low blood pressure and a racing pulse, and even fever. If the dehydration is at an extreme level, you may lose consciousness or experience delirium. Severe dehydration in which the body has lost more than 10 percent of body weight could cause your blood to stop pumping and will lead to death.
Dehydration in Babies
A baby will exhibit signs of dehydration that are different than those of adults. The soft spot on their head will appear sunken in, little to no tears will appear when they cry, they may experience vomiting or diarrhea, produce fewer wet diapers than normal, may act drowsy or experience fast breathing. Babies and children are at high risk for dehydration due to the smaller size of their bodies.
When to Call the Doctor
Get emergency attention right away if you or your child experience dizziness, lightheadedness, lethargy or confusion as a result of dehydration. You will need to see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of severe dehydration. If you cannot keep fluids down and are sick, you have been vomiting longer than 24 hours or your child has been vomiting longer than 12 hours, you or your child have had diarrhea for more than 5 days, or you are experiencing excessive urination.
