Tips to Prevent Dehydration

Dehydration can hit you much faster than you think. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. When the normal water content of the body is reduced, this can upset the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) in the body. This change starts to affect the way the body functions and in the most extreme cases, it can contribute to a life-threatening illness like heat stroke.

What causes dehydration?

Simply put, a lack of water intake can cause dehydration. However, there are certain conditions that can make this more likely.

Periods of high heat where water intake is limited.
Periods of high heat experienced by those who are unwell (eg fever, diarrhea, or vomiting). This combination of heat plus losing of bodily fluids can lead to dehydration quickly.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration

A headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Muscle cramps
Flushed skin

Who is at increased risk of suffering from dehydration?

Anyone can experience dehydration, but it is particularly important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of dehydration in the following groups:

Babies and toddlers
Children
The Elderly
Those on certain medications such as diuretics, oral medications for Type II diabetes, or chemotherapy drugs for cancer

All of these groups are very susceptible to dehydration and the situation can become very serious, very quickly. Be sure to keep a close eye on signs and symptoms.

Emergency in Houston?

Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.