
Dehydration symptoms are the direct result of your body not having enough water or fluids to function properly.
Dehydration symptoms can result due to a number of situations or conditions. Diarrhea, vomiting, and simply failing to drink enough water to meet your body's needs are common causes of dehydration.
There are three classifications used to describe dehydration symptoms: mild, moderate, and severe. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Babies and young children are in a higher risk category for dehydration due to their small body size and the potential for rapid fluctuations in body water levels. Other high risk individuals include the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
You may experience additional dehydration symptoms if your body undergoes a loss or imbalance of electrolytes (salts dissolved in the body) along with the loss of water. Water and electrolytes are needed for your body to carry out most of its vital functions.
Dehydration Symptoms:
Dehydration symptoms are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild and moderate symptoms of dehydration are similar but vary in intensity.
Mild to moderate dehydration symptoms may include:
Dry or sticky mouth
Thirst
Dizziness or confusion
Fatigue or a desire to sleep
Headache
Constipation
Dry skin
Decreased urination in both amount and frequency. If urine is produced, it will appear to be a darker yellow color than normal
Signs that an infant or young child is experiencing dehydration may be detected if the parent or guardian notices there have been no wet diapers in the past three hours or that the child produces few or no tears during bouts of crying.
Severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention and can be life threatening.