Chronic dehydration occurs over a long period of losing more fluids than you take in.
It happens gradually, so symptoms may start as mild but worsen over time.
Chronic dehydration usually happens because you don’t drink enough fluids.
Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
But other things, like certain medications or diabetes, can increase the risk of chronic dehydration.
Reasons this may happen include:
Thirstis your body’s signal that you need more fluids.
Your body doesn’t store as much water.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
Dehydration can also involve:
How Is Dehydration Diagnosed?
Electrolytes can get out of balance when you don’t have enough water in your body.
The results can determine the treatment, which may include electrolyte replacement therapy.
Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine, which can make you lose more water.
Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency.
You may require hospitalization, where you’ve got the option to get intravenous (IV) fluids.
There’s no hard and fast rule on how much water per day everyone needs.
Needs vary based on age, sex, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s not just water and other drinks.
About 20% of water intake comes from foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.
You need more water than usual when the weather is hot or you’re physically active.
You should also replenish fluids more often when you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Drinking alcohol can make you lose more water.
Avoid drinking more than one alcoholic beverage within a short period, especially on an empty stomach.
Eat food and alternate sips of water when drinking alcohol.
If you tend toward chronic dehydration, consider avoiding alcohol altogether.
Keep a water bottle nearby so it’s easier to get at.
It may remind you to take a sip even when you don’t feel thirsty.
It affects every system in your body and puts you at risk of life-threatening health problems.
Because the sense of thirst can decline with age, older adults are at higher risk of chronic dehydration.
Signs that someone is chronically dehydrated include cracked lips, sunken eyes, and confusion.
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Slidell Memorial Hospital.8 Signs that you are dehydrated.
How to stay hydrated for better health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Water and healthier drinks.
