Water makes up about 80% of the human body, and humans are considered one of the living organisms that rely heavily on water for survival and the continuation of vital functions in the body, so dehydration is one of the health issues that must be dealt with seriously, and dehydration is not just a feeling of thirst.

Follow along with us in this article to learn about the signs of dehydration, its causes and damages, and some effective ways to treat it.

The most common signs of dehydration

Dehydration has signs that distinguish it from other health conditions, including

• Constant thirst: Extreme thirst is the most common sign of dehydration, and thirst is a signal that the body needs fluids.
• Dry mouth and eyes: When you are dehydrated, your mouth becomes dry, especially the tongue, with a sticky feeling, and also dry eyes, which is characterized by the inability to produce tears.
•  Headache and dizziness: The lack of hydration resulting from lack of water leads to dizziness, headaches, lack of concentration and lack of attention.
• Excessive fatigue and poor physical performance. 
• Muscle cramps: As a result of the lack of fluids needed for the muscles to perform their function.
• Change in the color and amount of urine: In cases of dehydration, urine tends to be yellowish in color, its quantity decreases, and the percentage of salts increases.

The signs vary from person to person depending on the degree of dehydration, which we will talk about in the next paragraph.

Degrees of dehydration: Mild, Moderate and Severe

 The degree of dehydration is assessed according to its severity and impact on the body, and is divided into:

• Mild dehydration: This condition is characterized by a feeling of slight thirst and dry mouth, and you may feel some fatigue and fatigue, and the treatment lies in drinking more water, i.e. drinking about 5 liters per day.
• Moderate dehydration: In the case of moderate dehydration, the patient feels tired, fatigue, headaches, and the inability to concentrate sometimes, with yellow color of urine and a decrease in its quantity, and this condition requires a doctor’s review in order to avoid the progression of the degree of the condition.   
• Severe dehydration: Signs of severe dehydration include a constant feeling of extreme thirst, increased urine concentration and dark color, chronic fatigue, constant headaches, dizziness, and the inability to perform any physical performance, and this condition requires immediate medical intervention to avoid complications such as kidney failure and stroke.

After recognizing the degrees of dehydration and the signs of dehydration associated with each degree, what about the causes of dehydration?

What are the main causes of dehydration?

The main causes of dehydration are:

• Lack of fluid intake: Drinking too little water is the most important and most common factor in dehydration, which means not replenishing the amount of fluids lost daily, and thus dehydration.
• Increased water loss from the body: Increased water loss is also considered one of the most important causes of dehydration, and the loss is either through sweating, which increases in hot weather, or in cases of bleeding, and we cannot neglect cases of diarrhea, especially in children.
• Excessive exercise: Increasing the intensity of exercise leads the body to increase the rate of sweating, which can also cause dehydration.
• Certain medical conditions: Some diseases can lead to increased water loss, such as diabetes and kidney failure.

 Dehydration is harmful to overall health

Of course, dehydration has significant damage to health, and may affect vital functions, including

• Failure of vital organs: Dehydration and loss of a large amount of water can lead to the failure of vital organs such as the heart and kidneys, and negatively affect their vital functions.
• Muscle weakness: Lack of water from the body leads to muscle fatigue, which leads to poor physical performance and the inability to perform exercise and high physical exertion.
• Low blood pressure: When dehydrated, blood pressure drops significantly, leading to dizziness and fainting.
• Dry skin and hair: As the body becomes less moisturized – as a result of the lack of fluid from the body – the skin becomes dry and cracked, and the hair becomes weak and brittle.
• Digestive issues: Dehydration clearly causes some digestive and digestive issues, such as constipation and stomach ulcers.

After recognizing the harmful effects of dehydration on the body and general health, how can we protect ourselves before the signs of dehydration appear and what are the ways to treat it?

Treatment and prevention tips for severe dehydration.

In cases of severe dehydration, you should see a doctor immediately:

• Drink fluids continuously throughout the day: Drink at least 5 liters throughout the day.
•  Eat fruits and vegetables: Be sure to eat water-rich foods to optimize your body’s water levels.
• Avoid high-temperature places: To avoid losing more water through sweat, wear light clothing.
• Complete rest and no physical exertion.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages: They increase water loss through urine.

• Use skin moisturizers: To treat dry skin and associated cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Signs of Dehydration

How do I know if I am dehydrated?

Dehydration has signs that distinguish it from other health conditions, including:

• Constant thirst
• Dry mouth and eyes
•  Headaches and dizziness
• Excessive fatigue and poor physical performance. 
• muscle cramps
• Change in the color and amount of urine.

What are the three signs of dehydration?

• Constant feeling of thirst
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Fatigue, excessive tiredness and poor physical performance.

How do you get rid of dehydration?

• Drink fluids consistently throughout the day: Drink at least 5 liters throughout the day.
•  Eat fruits and vegetables
• Avoid high-temperature places.
• Complete rest and no physical exertion.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages

What is the cause of dehydration despite drinking water?

• Increased water loss from the body: either through sweating, which increases in hot climates, or in cases of bleeding, and we cannot neglect cases of diarrhea, especially in children.
• Doing intense exercise: Leads the body to increase the rate of sweating
• Some medical conditions: Diabetes and kidney failure.

What are the diseases that cause dehydration?

Diabetes and kidney failure

What are the types of dehydration?

• Mild dehydration: This is a condition characterized by mild thirst and dry mouth, and you may feel a little tired and fatigued.
• Moderate dehydration: In the case of moderate dehydration, the patient feels tired, fatigued, headaches, inability to concentrate sometimes, with yellow urine discoloration and decreased urine volume.   
• Severe dehydration: Signs of severe dehydration include a constant feeling of extreme thirst, increased urine concentration and dark color, chronic fatigue, constant headaches, dizziness, and the inability to perform any physical performance.