What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Common signs of dehydration include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Having a dry mouth or dry skin
- Feeling tired or unfocused
- Dark yellow urine or not urinating much
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headaches
What causes dehydration?
Dehydration can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Not drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather
- Excessive sweating during exercise
- Illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhoea
- Fever
- Urinating frequently due to certain medications or health conditions
How common is dehydration?
Dehydration can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in certain groups, such as young children, older adults, and people who exercise a lot.
Who is more likely to get dehydrated?
Some people may have a higher risk of dehydration, including:
- Young children, as they may not be able to communicate their thirst
- Older adults, as their sense of thirst may not work properly
- People doing intense workouts or exercising in hot weather
- People with chronic illnesses like diabetes
How can I treat dehydration?
Dehydration can often be treated by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte drinks
- Eating water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can worsen dehydration
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How to prevent dehydration?
To help prevent dehydration, you can:
- Drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially when it’s hot or when exercising
- Keep a water bottle with you as a reminder to stay hydrated
- Eat foods that have water in them, like soups and fruits
- Recognise signs of dehydration early and take action
Final thoughts
Dehydration is a condition that can easily be managed with proper fluid intake. If you are concerned about dehydration or its symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
