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Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids than it takes in, and as a result, it cannot perform its normal functions properly. It can affect anyone, but it is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the condition, its symptoms, and why its worsening may require immediate medical attention.
What is Dehydration?
Water is vital for the human body and for the smooth functioning of many processes within it. It helps regulate body temperature, digestion, kidney function, cognitive health, cellular functions, and more. Insufficient water intake can even affect joint movement, increasing the risk of friction and joint pain. The cardiovascular system is also directly affected, as dehydration leads to thicker blood and makes it harder for the heart to function efficiently.
So, what exactly is dehydration? The human body is composed of about 70% water, with the highest percentage found in babies and young children, decreasing with age. In men, it's around 65%, and in women, about 55%, due to a higher percentage of body fat.
Losing even 2% of this amount can lead to dehydration. At 7 to 10%, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth begin to appear. At over 10%, it is considered severe dehydration.
Various causes can lead to dehydration. Sometimes they are quite ordinary—such as a busy day or a long trip without access to water.
Other causes include:
- Insufficient Water Intake: You don’t drink enough fluids throughout the day.
- Excessive Sweating: When you sweat, your body loses water and important elements. Whether due to intense physical activity or hot, humid weather, if you don’t pay attention and take measures while sweating, you can quickly lose a significant percentage of fluids.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature can lead to increased water loss. The higher the fever, the more dehydrated the body becomes.
- Diarrhea and Vomiting: Rapid expulsion of fluids from the gastrointestinal tract can cause a significant loss of water and electrolytes in a short time.
- Increased Urination: Taking certain medications (such as diuretics and blood pressure medications), as well as conditions like undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes, can increase urine output and lead to dehydration.
- High Salt Intake: Consuming salty foods can increase the body’s need for water.
- Consumption of Alcohol, Coffee, and Sugary Drinks can also lead to dehydration.
The symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe and may include: - Thirst: This is not always an early indicator of dehydration, as many people—especially the elderly—do not feel it. However, once thirst occurs, it means the process has already begun.
- Dry mouth and throat: A lack of saliva leads to a dry, sticky mouth.
- Less frequent urination and dark yellow urine: Indicates concentrated urine, a sign of insufficient water intake.
- Fatigue: A feeling of unusual tiredness or lethargy.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: Reduced blood volume can affect circulation and lead to confusion, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
- Dry skin: Decreased elasticity and moisture in the skin.
- Headache: Dehydration can cause persistent headaches.
- Muscle cramps: Loss of electrolytes can lead to muscle spasms.
Symptoms in infants and young children include: dry mouth, no tears when crying, dry diapers for more than three hours, sunken eyes and cheeks, apathy, and irritability.
Mild to moderate dehydration can often be resolved by increasing fluid intake. However, severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment.
In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to confusion, rapid heartbeat, fainting, and shock—all of which require urgent medical attention.
At-Risk Groups
Dehydration can happen to anyone, but the following groups are at higher risk: infants and young children, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those who exercise or work outdoors.
In older adults, the volume of water in the body is lower and decreases with age. This, along with various illnesses and medications, can increase the risk of dehydration. Even mild illnesses, such as a urinary tract infection, can quickly lead to dehydration. Additionally, older adults often have a reduced sense of thirst and may suffer from chronic health conditions like diabetes and dementia, which complicate the situation.
Children, on the other hand, are often vulnerable to dehydration during episodes of severe diarrhea or vomiting—especially when combined with high fever, as the body loses fluids very quickly. Also, infants and babies cannot tell their parents they are thirsty, nor can they drink water on their own.
Other Groups Vulnerable to Dehydration
Athletes: Engaging in intense physical activity increases water loss through sweat.
People with chronic illnesses: Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or kidney disease can affect hydration levels and increase the risk of dehydration.
People working or exercising in hot climates: High temperatures and humidity raise the risk of dehydration. High humidity is particularly problematic because sweat does not evaporate quickly, preventing the body from cooling down. This leads to increased body temperature and a greater need for fluids such as water, electrolyte drinks, or so-called sports/isotonic beverages.
Water Retention in the Body
Dehydration is one of the factors that can trigger water retention as a kind of defense mechanism, which, however, leads to swelling.
Water retention or edema occurs when excess fluids accumulate in the body’s tissues.
In addition to dehydration, it can be caused by:
Sodium intake: High salt levels can cause the body to retain water.
Hormonal changes: Hormones related to the menstrual cycle can cause water retention.
Medications: Some medications, especially corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and blood pressure medications, can lead to fluid buildup.
Chronic conditions: Heart failure, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis can cause water retention.
Prolonged standing or sitting: Lack of movement can lead to fluid accumulation in the lower limbs.
Other Serious Complications of Dehydration
Besides water retention, dehydration can lead to serious health issues such as:
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones, and even kidney failure
Seizures due to electrolyte imbalance, which can cause involuntary muscle contractions and sometimes loss of consciousness
Hypovolemic shock, i.e., low blood volume and low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening
Daily Water Intake
Water is essential for various physiological processes, and maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall health.
Daily water needs can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, weight, climate, and physical activity level.
It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water at regular intervals throughout the day—starting after waking up, about 30 minutes before meals, and before going to bed. It’s important to listen to your body’s signals, such as thirst, and adjust your water intake accordingly.
You can read more about recommended daily intake by gender, age, and weight in our article “How Much Water Should We Drink?”
Conclusion
Dehydration is a serious health issue that can affect anyone, but it’s especially important to be aware of its symptoms and risk factors.
It occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in, disrupting the balance of essential minerals and normal bodily functions.
Maintaining proper hydration is essential for optimal body function, preventing complications, and supporting overall health. By understanding the importance of adequate water intake and recognizing the signs of dehydration, you can take proactive steps to ensure that you and your loved ones stay well-hydrated and healthy.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If you’d like to read more informative health-related articles, visit our health portal.
