Friday, October 8, 2010

Recognize Symptoms Of Dehydration

Dehydration is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur whenever a person doesn’t take in enough water. Without water, a person can die within three days.


Instructions


1. Because we need water to survive, the body goes into automatic survival mode whenever our water intake is low. People who suffer from mild dehydration may experience extreme thirst and crave water. In addition, it may take several drinks to quench the thirst.


2. Often dehydration is difficult to detect, especially in children. Unusually dry eyes can indicate dehydration, as well as the inability to cry.


3. Not drinking for a few hours can produce a dry tongue or mouth. In the case of mild dehydration, sufferers experience these symptoms, along with thick saliva.


4. When the body doesn’t have enough water, it becomes dry and warm, and a fever may develop. In turn, the face and skin may appear white, pale or become flushed.


5. Moderate to severe dehydration is serious and needs immediate attention. Once dehydration passes the mild stage, a sufferer’s blood pressure may drop, causing weakness and dizziness. Fainting and convulsions are common.








6. In severe cases, dehydration can affect the heart. Some people deal with a faster than normal heart rate, whereas others deal with a weak pulse. If left untreated, dehydration can result in heart failure.

Tags: deal with, enough water, mild dehydration