According to Susan M. Kleiner in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, dehydration may be defined as acute, occuring suddenly or chronic where fluid intake is inadequate over a period of time. Both acute and chronic dehydration are defined as a 1 percent or greater loss of body weight due to fluid loss. It's important to be familiar with the symptoms of mild dehydration so that you can replenish body fluids and avoid more serious, or even fatal complications. The following symptoms and complications of dehydration were identified by Mayo Clinic.
Mild to Moderate Dehydration
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness, thirst, reduced urine output or less than six wet diapers daily in infants and eight or more hours without urination in older children and teens, limited or no tears when crying, muscle fatigue, headache and dizziness or feeling light headed.
Severe Dehydration
Symptoms of severe dehydration that may indicate a medical emergency include extreme thirst, fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children that is severe or irritability and confusion in adults, extreme dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes; lack of sweat, little or no urination or urine that is dark yellow or amber in color, sunken eyes, shriveled, dry skin that is void of elasticity, sunken fontanels in infants, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever and in the majority of cases delirium or unconsciousness. If you suspect that someone is dehydrated, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Prevention
Prevent dehydration by making sure individuals in the high risk category maintain an adequate fluid intake. This includes infants and young children, older adults, illness resulting in diminished appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting; certain chronic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism; endurance athletes; and those living, working or exercising in high altitudes. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious medical complications including: heat stroke, cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), seizures, hypovolemic shock, kidney failure, coma and even death.
