Severe Dehydration Symptoms

Because we will be experiencing extreme heat this summer in Texas, recognizing severe dehydration symptoms early is critical. Untreated dehydration can lead to complications such as heat injury, urinary and kidney problems, seizures, and even hypovolemic shock. Some of the key symptoms to watch for include:

• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth and mucous membranes
• Little or no urination and urine that is darker than usual
• Very dry skin
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Lethargy or confusion
• Fainting and passing out

Receiving prompt treatment via emergency room IV fluids can help restore fluid balance and prevent serious health consequences. In this article, we’ll talk about the signs of extreme dehydration, how to prevent it, and advise on when to go to the ER for dehydration.

Extreme dehydration symptoms

Extreme thirst

Extreme thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration. It happens because your body is losing more fluids than it can take in, prompting your brain to signal the need for water. When you feel extremely thirsty, it’s your body’s way of urging you to hydrate immediately. Ignoring this signal can quickly lead to more severe dehydration symptoms.

Dry mouth and mucous membranes

Without adequate fluid intake, your body conserves water for vital organs, leaving less for saliva production. This can make your mouth feel sticky or pasty and can also affect your sense of taste. Keep a lookout for these signs, as they can indicate that you need to drink more water.

Little or no urination

If your urine is darker than usual, it can indicate that your kidneys are trying to conserve water. This happens because your body prioritizes essential functions over waste elimination. Monitoring urine color can be a helpful indicator; ideally, it should be very light in color. Darker urine means you need more fluids.

Very dry skin

Very dry skin results from the body diverting water away from the skin to support more critical functions. You might notice that your skin doesn’t bounce back quickly when pinched or feels rough and flaky. If you observe these signs, it’s crucial to hydrate to help restore your skin’s moisture.

Additionally, getting a really bad sunburn can exacerbate dehydration, as your body loses even more fluids trying to heal the damage.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Dehydration reduces blood volume, lowering the efficiency of nutrient and oxygen transport throughout the body. As a result, your brain might not receive enough oxygen, making you feel faint. If dizziness occurs, drinking water and resting can help alleviate symptoms.

Rapid heartbeat and breathing

Rapid heartbeat and breathing are caused by the heart working harder to pump a decreased volume of blood throughout the body. This is your body’s way of trying to maintain adequate blood supply to vital organs. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to rehydrate promptly to help your heart function more effectively.

Sunken eyes

Sunken eyes are a visible sign of severe dehydration, which occurs when the tissues around the eyes lose their water content. If you notice your eyes appear sunken, it’s a strong indicator that you need to rehydrate immediately.

Lethargy or confusion

Because dehydration can alter your body’s balance of electrolytes, which affects brain function, you can start to feel heavy, lethargic, or confused. When dehydrated, you may also feel extremely tired or have difficulty concentrating.

Fainting and passing out

Fainting and passing out are severe symptoms that occur when dehydration significantly lowers blood pressure, reducing blood flow to the brain. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If someone faints due to suspected dehydration, seek emergency help and ensure they receive fluids to stabilize their condition.

When should I go to the ER for dehydration?

Wondering when to go to the ER for dehydration? If you observe extreme dehydration symptoms, it’s critical to seek emergency care without delay. If left untreated, the effects of dehydration can become life-threatening. Head to the nearest ER if you or someone else experiences:

• High fever of over 101°F (38°C)
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Inability to keep down fluids for more than 12 hours
• Confusion, lethargy, or fainting
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Sunken eyes and dry mouth
• Dark-colored urine or no urine output in eight hours

Dehydration can be especially dangerous for infants, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. If you or a loved one falls into any of these categories and experiences signs of dehydration or any sunstroke symptoms (like a high fever, rapid breathing, or confusion), don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room.

How to prevent dehydration

Regular fluid consumption (especially clean water) throughout the day is the best way to avoid dehydration. The recommended daily intake for adults is about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women and 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men. However, this amount may vary depending on factors such as physical activity level, climate, and medical conditions.

Other steps you can take to prevent dehydration include:

• Add electrolytes or trace minerals to your water
• Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol as they can be dehydrating
• Eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content (think watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries)
• Stay in the shade or indoors during extreme heat and sun exposure 
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing during outdoor activities
• Take frequent breaks and rest in a cool area if you’re engaging in physical activity or spending time in the sun for extended periods

Experiencing severe dehydration symptoms? Head to your nearest Complete Care 24/7 freestanding ER!

Dehydration is not something to take lightly, especially when symptoms become severe. Prolonged dehydration can lead to serious health complications, requiring immediate and specialized medical attention. If you or a loved one are showing severe dehydration symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help. 

Complete Care’s 24/7 freestanding ER facilities are equipped to provide urgent, comprehensive care — including IV fluids — to address dehydration and restore your well-being.

Make your health a priority and head to one of our locations in Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, and San Antonio) or in Colorado Springs for quality treatment and peace of mind. Stay cool out there!

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