The fact that we excrete particles of water daily is very common, whether in urine, sweat, feces, or in the form of steam.
However, there are cases in which the loss of water exceeds normal and can trigger a process of dehydration. In addition to generating unpleasant symptoms, if not properly treated, it can develop into a more severe clinical picture and even lead to death.
Dehydration happens when there is little water available for the proper functioning of the body, generating symptoms such as severe headache, tiredness, intense thirst, dry mouth, and little urine, for example. [1]
For a dehydration situation to happen, more water must be lost than what is ingested, and this can happen for several reasons, such as being in an environment with a high temperature for a long time, exercising very intensely, or suffering from constant vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms
Depending on the degree of dehydration, symptoms may vary: [2]
Mild Dehydration
The first symptoms of dehydration are usually:
- a Feeling of Constant Thirst
This is the first sign of dehydration. So if you experience an unusual thirst, it can be a strong indication of the problem. To avoid this problem, try to drink at least two liters of water a day.
- Decrease in the Amount of Urine
Since there is not enough water to generate the proper amount of urine, the body tries to conserve water and cause a lot of fluid reabsorption in the kidney leading to low urine production. [3]
- Dark Yellow Urine
The color of urine can help to identify dehydration. [4] If it has a concentrated consistency and is dark, yellowish, or orange, you probably are dehydrated.
These symptoms can easily go unnoticed, especially in the elderly, who find it more difficult to feel thirsty, even if they need it. So it is very important to always drink water several times a day, especially if you are ill or during the summer.
Usually, this type of dehydration is easy to treat, it is only recommended to increase your water intake during the day.