Dehydration shows up when your total body water content is low.
Water is essential to all body systems.
Thirst is often the first noticeable signal that you’re dehydrated.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Uncommon Symptoms
There are a few symptoms you may not automatically connect to dehydration.
Additionally, some people may mistake some signs of dehydration for signs ofhunger.
Overlapping symptoms include trouble focusing, tiredness, dizziness, and headache.
Emergency Signs and Symptoms
Severe dehydration is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Drinkingtoo much watertoo quickly can causeelectrolyte imbalances, so take small sips and drink slowly.
Electrolytes are charged minerals in the bloodstream, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
For mild to moderate dehydration, it can take a few minutes to several hours to rehydrate.
When you’re severely dehydrated, it can take several days for a full recovery.
If you’re able to’t seem to replenish fluids on your own, see a healthcare provider.
You may needintravenous (IV) fluidsor other medical treatment.
If your child appears dehydrated, it’s best to contact a provider right away.
Who Is at Risk?
You lose water through sweat, urine, stool, vomit, and tears.
When dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water to work well.
Dehydration increases the risk of conditions such as:
Severe dehydration can be fatal.
Because foods like fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, they count toward your daily water intake.
Other tips include:
Summary
Dehydration means your body doesn’t have enough water to function well.
This can happen for many reasons, including diarrhea, excessive heat, and intense exercise.
Thirst, tiredness, and irritability are signs of dehydration.
Lack of fluids can increase the risk of UTI and kidney stones.
Drinking water can usually rehydrate you within minutes or hours.
Sports drinks that contain electrolytes can also be helpful.
If you’re severely dehydrated, you may need IV fluids to get back on track.
Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
Fainting, confusion, or blood in vomit or diarrhea are signs that you need immediate medical attention.
Drinking water throughout the day and replenishing often when you lose extra fluids can lower the risk of dehydration.
Harvard Health Publishing.Symptoms of dehydration: what they are and what to do if you experience them.
2018;18(1):1346. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6252-5
Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health.Water.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Recommended drinks for children age 5 & under.
