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What are the Signs of Dehydration in Adults?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The signs of dehydration in adults include thirst, confusion, and a reduced urine output, among other things. People who develop signs of dehydration after exercising or while in hot weather should be brought to a cool environment and provided with water to sip to allow them to slowly bring their hydration levels back to normal. People can also become dehydrated in other circumstances as part of a systemic problem or a reaction to a medication. Individuals at risk for dehydration because of medical conditions are usually warned by their care providers so they can take steps to avoid it.

Early signs of dehydration in adults usually include, in addition to the above symptoms, dizziness, heart palpitations, sluggishness, and weakness. People may not realize they are dehydrated, but will feel out of sorts and tend to respond more slowly when spoken to. Slowed reaction times in response to other stimuli like hazards on a hiking trail can also be observed, and people may have trouble with tasks requiring complicated cognitive processes.

Drinking water can help with dehydration.
Drinking water can help with dehydration.

As dehydration progresses, people can develop dry mouth, a swollen tongue, chills, chest pain, and head rushes. They will not be able to sweat and can stumble and have other gait problems in addition to poor motor control of the hands. In severe cases, dehydration in adults will eventually cause nausea, seizures, and coma. If the patient is not provided with prompt treatment, death from dehydration is possible.

Severe dehydration is treated by administering IV fluids.
Severe dehydration is treated by administering IV fluids.

When caught early, dehydration in adults is very easy to treat. Getting the patient somewhere cool, offering water to drink, and sometimes spraying the body with cool water to reduce core temperature should help. It is important to avoid giving patients too much water at once, and to provide them with room temperature, rather than hot or chilled, water. Once the patient is at least partially rehydrated and is urinating normally, electrolytes can be added to the water to keep the patient's electrolyte levels stable.

Dehydration may cause feelings of weakness.
Dehydration may cause feelings of weakness.

In cases of severe dehydration, hospitalization may be required for adequate treatment. Dehydration in adults can be a big problem in very hot climates where people can't access environments to cool down, as well as places where water supplies are erratic. In these regions, cooling centers may be opened in the summer to provide people with water and a place to relax out of the heat. Medical personnel at such locations can screen people for dehydration and provide them with treatment, if necessary.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

My cousin was hospitalized because of this just last week when she fainted at work and had to have dehydration treatment. She went through three serums at the hospital before she felt better.

literally45

@turquoise-- Dehydration can definitely cause mineral deficiencies and changes in blood serum. But if that is the case, I think you would definitely be experiencing dehydration symptoms.

Don't you have any of these symptoms like confusion, dry mouth and fatigue? Have you noticed that you don't urinate as much or can't sweat even though you're hot?

I would highly suggest cutting down on the caffeine and drinking more still water and natural mineral water. A good way to check if you're getting enough water every day is to look at the color of your urine. The color should be as close to clear as possible. If the color of the urine is dark, it means you are drinking too little and might be at risk of dehydration.

turquoise

Will dehydration cause abnormal blood test results?

I just had a routine blood test done and my doctor found that my magnesium and potassium levels are low and my blood protein is high. He's going to have me do another blood test next week. I don't feel sick, I just had a very busy several months at work. I have ignored drinking enough water and had a lot of coffee.

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    • Drinking water can help with dehydration.
      By: violetkaipa
      Drinking water can help with dehydration.
    • Severe dehydration is treated by administering IV fluids.
      By: michaeljung
      Severe dehydration is treated by administering IV fluids.
    • Dehydration may cause feelings of weakness.
      By: Maridav
      Dehydration may cause feelings of weakness.
    • Dizziness and fatigue are early signs of dehydration.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Dizziness and fatigue are early signs of dehydration.
    • Some people naturally perspire more than others and should drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated.
      By: fotum
      Some people naturally perspire more than others and should drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated.
    • Intense workouts cause the body to sweat heavily and lose electrolytes as well as water.
      By: geronimo
      Intense workouts cause the body to sweat heavily and lose electrolytes as well as water.
    • Some medications taken by the elderly can lead to dehydration.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Some medications taken by the elderly can lead to dehydration.