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Dealing With Dehydration
How many times have you heard how important it is to stay hydrated? In addition to increasing energy and flushing out toxins, staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, prevents infections and keeps organs functioning properly. Studies suggest that men need roughly a gallon or 3.7 liters of water daily. Women need a little over half a gallon, or 2.7 liters. Of course, that number varies. People living in Nevada will need more water compared to those in Minnesota because of the heat. Those who have an active lifestyle will need more water, too.
In other words, the more you sweat, the more you need to replace the fluids you lose. If not, it could lead to dehydration.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration?
Feeling very thirsty is a clear sign that you are becoming dehydrated. There are other symptoms of dehydration, including:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Feeling fatigued
- A decrease in urination
- Little to no production of tears
- Dizziness and feeling lightheaded
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Feeling constipated
- Not sweating
- Sunken eyes
- Short and shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Dark-colored urine
Risk Factors in Dehydration
Certain groups of people are more prone to dehydration. For example, those with jobs that call for them to spend hours daily under the sun, like construction workers and landscapers. Athletes who play outdoors or who sweat profusely also risk dehydration.
If you care for older adults or young children, ensure that they also drink enough water. They may not have the presence of mind or ability to do this for themselves. Certain illnesses also increase the likelihood of getting dehydrated. Continuous vomiting or diarrhea causes you to lose electrolytes with the water in your body. If you are not able to replace fluids, you can suffer from dehydration.
Other illnesses cause you to urinate more than you usually would, possibly leading to dehydration.
Preventing Dehydration
The best way to prevent dehydration is to take in enough fluids based on your activities. If you feel thirsty, drink water. Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juice if you are thirsty or playing sports. That can exacerbate the effects of dehydration. If sweating profusely, try sports drinks formulated to replace the fluids and nutrients you lose.
Seek treatment at ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care – Cape Coral for Dehydration
Severe dehydration is very dangerous and can lead to serious complications, or even death.
As one of the only health systems in Cape Coral with ER and urgent care services under one roof, ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care offers affordable pricing, quality care, and trained staff. Patients are only billed based on the level of care received, and there are no appointments needed for in-person visits. The ER is available 24 hours a day, every day, and the urgent care walk-in clinic hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
ShorePoint Health Emergency & Urgent Care – Cape Coral, a department of ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda, is located at 2521 Del Prado Blvd. N. in Cape Coral and may be reached at 239-356-0740.