Stuffy, runny nose? Sneezing, cough and swollen throat? When you have a cold, you just might not feel like drinking liquids or eating. Unfortunately, this makes you more susceptible to dehydration. If you have a fever, your risk is even higher. To avoid these complications and speed your recovery, pay attention to your fluid consumption during illness.
Risks
Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe. If left untreated, severe dehydration might become life-threatening. Dehydration can cause seizures as the levels of electrolytes that transmit signals between cells become unbalanced. Low blood volume due to loss of fluid can cause a drop in blood pressure and a lack of oxygen throughout the body. Kidney failure might occur as a side effect of depleted fluid levels.
Warning Signs
Symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, low urine output, dark yellow or amber-colored urine, dry mouth and sunken eyes. In infants, symptoms might include a decreased amount of wet diapers, absence of tears when crying and sunken fontanelles, the soft spot on the top of the head. Thirst is not always a reliable way to detect dehydration.
Treatment
Most cases of mild to moderate dehydration can be resolved by increasing oral fluid intake. For adults, plain water is the best rehydration solution. Children should receive an oral rehydration solution, available at most local drugstores. Plain water does not contain the electrolytes that help children recover from dehydration. Do not give children sports drinks, as they contain significant amounts of sugar and might cause gastrointestinal symptoms that increase fluid loss. Severe dehydration might require hospitalization and intravenous fluids.
Prevention
During illness, continue to drink plenty of liquids. Frequent small amounts of liquid might be easier to tolerate. You might enjoy a cup of hot tea when you have a cold, but stick with decaffeinated varieties. Caffeine causes more frequent urination and can contribute to dehydration during illness. Monitor sick children carefully because their smaller size leaves them more susceptible to dehydration.
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