By Ifeoluwa Abimbola
The body needs water to function. Without water, the body will be dehydrated.
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds water intake. Symptoms range from mild to life threatening, and the young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to dehydration.
Fact
When we lose too much water, our bodies may become dehydrated as more water is moving out of our cells and bodies than what we take in through drinking.
Signs and symptoms
The body’s initial response to dehydration are thirst to increase water intake, but according to Mayo Clinic, thirst is not always a reliable early indicator that the body needs water, as many people, particularly, older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated. The signs and symptoms of dehydration vary by age.
Infants and young children
There could be dryness in the mouth and tongue, no wet diapers for three hours, no tears when crying, irritability, sunken eyes, cheeks and sunken soft spot on top of the skull.
In adults
Symptoms like dizziness, decreased urine output, fatigue, dark – coloured urine, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, extreme thirst, heart palpitations, inability to sweat, light headiness, and confusion.
Causes of dehydration
Dehydration occurs because there is too much water loss and not enough water intake or other causes, including diarrhea and vomiting, excessive sweating, fever, disease such as diabetes, injury to skin such as burns or mouth sores, inability to seek appropriate water and food, severe skin diseases, increased urination as result of infection.
Risk factors
Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at greater risk:
Infants and children. This group are most likely to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting. Also, your children often can’t help themselves when they are thirsty, as they can’t get a drink for themselves.
In older adult, body fluids reserve becomes smaller as you age; your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute.