Are you always tired? You may be dehydrated.

With the heat these days, do you often feel tired and lethargic? Do you often experience things like dry mouth and headaches? These may be symptoms of something more serious than we think, namely dehydration. Let's be aware of this today. Because this is something that can affect anyone, from a small child to an adult.

Simply put, what is dehydration?

Dehydration is the loss of the amount of fluid (water) our body needs for normal functioning. Our body constantly loses water through sweat, urine, and breathing. We make up for that loss through the water we drink and the food we eat. But if we do not drink enough water to keep up with the amount of water we lose, our body becomes dehydrated. To be precise, the water level in our body drops. This is what we call dehydration.

This situation can occur at three main levels:

1. Mild Dehydration: This is the initial stage. Symptoms include dry mouth, increased thirst, and decreased urination. In a young child, this condition occurs when between 3% and 5% of body weight is lost due to fluid loss. This can be managed at home by drinking plenty of water and fluids.

2. Moderate Dehydration: Here the symptoms mentioned above are a little more severe. A child may lose between 6% and 10% of their body weight. At this point, it is imperative to see a doctor and seek treatment. It may also be necessary to give saline (IV fluids) through a vein.

3. Severe Dehydration: This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment. Severe symptoms such as dizziness, sunken eyes, increased breathing rate, and rapid heartbeat appear. A child's body weight may decrease by more than 10%. This can be life-threatening, so you should go to a hospital immediately, i.e. the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

Why do we get dehydrated? What are the causes?

There are several main reasons why our bodies lose water. There are also reasons why we don't get the water our bodies need.

Things that cause excess water to be excreted from the body:

• Fever: When the body temperature rises, more water is lost through sweating.
• Diarrhea and vomiting: In both of these conditions, a large amount of fluid is lost from the body in a very short period of time.
• Excessive sweating: On hot days, when exercising, or when working outdoors, the body produces a lot of sweat.
• Frequent urination: People with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus often urinate. Some medications, especially diuretics, can also cause excessive fluid loss from the body.

Things that can cause your body to not drink enough water:

• Busyness: It's common to forget to drink water when you're busy.
• Loss of thirst: The sense of thirst decreases, especially as we age.
• Illness: When you have a sore throat, mouth sores, or stomach ache, you don't feel like drinking water.

Let's identify the symptoms of dehydration accurately.

The symptoms of dehydration vary depending on its level. It is very important to be aware of these signs.

Symptoms may vary in young children and babies.

The symptoms of dehydration in young children are different than in adults. As parents, you need to be especially aware of this.

• Dry mouth and tongue.
• No tears when crying.
• A small baby has fewer than six wet nappies per day.
• Not urinating at all for 8 hours.
• Sunken eyes and cheeks; the "soft spot" on the top of the head is sunken in.
• Excessive drowsiness, lethargy.
• Dry, wrinkled skin.
• Breathing deeply and rapidly.
• Hands and feet become cold and clammy.

Who is most at risk of dehydration?

Although anyone can become dehydrated, some people are at higher risk.

• Young babies and children: They are more likely to have severe vomiting and diarrhea. They may also not be able to say, "Mommy, I'm thirsty."
• Elderly adults: As our mothers, fathers, and grandparents age, they may feel less thirsty. They may also find it difficult to walk and may be reluctant to bring a glass of water to drink.
• People with chronic diseases: This risk is higher for people with diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes and those who take water pills.
• People who work outdoors: People who work in the sun and heat (e.g., farmers, road builders) need more water because they sweat a lot.
• People living in high altitude areas: As altitude increases, the air has less moisture and oxygen. This causes breathing to become faster and more water is lost from the body.

What happens if dehydration continues?

If dehydration is not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications. The function of major organs can be impaired due to decreased blood flow and the kidneys' attempt to retain fluid.

• Heatstroke
• Seizures
• Kidney failure
• Coma
• Shock
• Brain swelling

Dehydration during pregnancy can lead to problems such as reduced amniotic fluid, premature birth, and low breast milk supply. There is also a risk of conditions such as neural tube defects, which affect the development of the baby's nervous system.

What should we do to avoid dehydration?

Along with eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep, drinking enough water is essential for a healthy life. If you follow these habits, you can easily avoid dehydration.

• Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Make it a habit.
• Drink a glass of water before a meal. This will also help control your appetite.
• If you're bored of drinking water, add something like a slice of lime or lemon to your water to make it more flavorful.
• Instead of sugary drinks, alcohol, and coffee , drink water when you are thirsty.
• If you forget to drink water, set a reminder on your phone.
• Drink water little by little , without waiting until you feel thirsty .
• Add fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges, to your meals, and add soups .

Dehydration, Dehydration, Lack of water in the body, Drinking water, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment