what are some side effects of dehydration, and what are symptoms that can be felt prior to dieing. i dont wanna have to test it out :S doesnt seem fun. Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:
* Dry, sticky mouth
* Sleepiness or tiredness 鈥?children are likely to be less active than usual
* Thirst
* Decreased urine output 鈥?fewer than six wet diapers a day for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
* Few or no tears when crying
* Muscle weakness
* Headache
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:
* Extreme thirst
* Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
* Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
* Lack of sweating
* Little or no urination 鈥?any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
* Sunken eyes
* Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
* In infants, sunken fontanels 鈥?the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
* Low blood pressure
* Rapid heartbeat
* Fever
* In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better barometer is the color of your urine: clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration. |
