How Can I Know If I’m Dehydrated?

Do you feel thirst and have a dry or sticky mouth?

Do you have dry, cracked skin or lips?

Do you have skin that lacks elasticity (if you pinch your skin, it look thin and doesn’t snap back quickly to its original shape)?

Do you have headache or migraine?

Do you feel weakness, dizziness or nausea?

Do you feel tired, lethargic or fatigued (even when you are well rested)?

Do you have dry eyes or blurred vision?

Do you have muscle cramps?

Do you urinate less than usual or you have a dark colored urine (dark yellow to amber)?

Do you have constipation or a fewer bowel movements than usually (your stool may look like small lumps)?

Do you have fever-like symptoms or chills?

Do you feel disorientated, confused or you cannot think clearly?

Do you feel anxious, tense or depressed?

Do you have a mood changes (feeling irritated or angry)?

Do you feel lightheaded or you do you think you will faint when you suddenly get up after sitting down?

Do you have pounding heart and rapid, shallow breathing?

Do you have lack of sweat?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you are dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when you do not drink enough water or have increased water loss due to hot weather, vigorous exercise or certain medical conditions. The best way to prevent dehydration is to meet your daily hydration needs: 2.7 liters of water a day for a woman and 3.7 liters for men. However, if you spend excessive time in the sun, working too hard or exercising you will need to drink more water and other fluids. Caffeine may cause you to urinate more so avoid caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, or colas).

Based on your answers it is possible that you have mild to moderate form of dehydration. The human body consists of almost 60 percent of water. Water plays an important role in keeping your body functioning properly. Dehydration is referred to a health condition with excessive loss of body fluids and water. This can happens due to various illnesses or poor fluid intake. Either way, you need to react quickly and compensate for the loss of water. Mild to moderate dehydration can usually be treated at home by increasing your fluid intake. You may sip water, suck on the ice cubes or slowly drink a sports drink that contains electrolytes.

Based on your answers you have signs of moderate to severe dehydration. Dehydration is a health condition in which your body does not have the necessary amount of water and fluids in order to function normally. Dehydration occurs when you lose too much fluid or you have a low fluid intake. Moderate to severe dehydration needs immediate medical attention. If left untreated it can result in serious complications including seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death. You need to go to an emergency room or call 911 right away. Anyone may become dehydrated, but the elderly and people with diabetes are at higher risk of dehydration.