We all know that drinking water is important. Our bodies need to stay hydrated to function properly. Dehydration is what happens when your body loses too much fluid. Typically, your body can reabsorb fluid from your blood and other body tissues, but when you become severely dehydrated, you no longer have enough fluids to get blood to your organs. This can cause your body to go into shock, which is a life-threating condition.
Dehydration can happen for a variety of reasons, including when you stop drinking water or lose large amounts of fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, sweating or exercise. Not drinking enough fluids can cause muscles cramps and make you feel faint. Dehydration can occur in anyone of any age, but it’s most dangerous for babies, small children and older adults. To help you watch out for dehydration in these higher risk groups, we’re sharing what makes them more susceptible and early warning signs to look out for.
Dehydration in babies and small children
Babies and small children have a greater chance of becoming dehydrated because:
- A greater portion of their bodies is made of water.
- Children have a high metabolic rate, so their bodies use more water.
- A child's kidneys don't conserve water as well as an adult's kidneys.
- A child’s immune system isn’t fully developed, which makes them more likely to get an illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
- Children often won't drink or eat when they aren't feeling well.
- They depend on their caregivers to provide them with food and fluids.
Dehydration in older adults
Older adults have a greater chance of becoming dehydrated because they may:
- Not drink because they don't feel thirsty.
- Have kidneys that don't work well.
- Choose not to drink because they can't control their bladders (incontinence).
- Have physical problems or a disease that makes it:
- Hard to drink or hold a glass.
- Painful to get up from a chair.
- Painful or exhausting to go to the bathroom.
- Hard to talk or communicate to someone about their symptoms.
- Take medicines, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medicines, that increase urine output.
- Find it harder to eat a healthy diet.
Early symptoms of dehydration
Watch babies, small children, and older adults closely for the early symptoms of dehydration anytime they have an illness that causes high fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
These are the early symptoms of dehydration:
- The mouth and eyes may be drier than usual.
- The person may pass less urine than usual.
- The person may feel cranky, tired, or dizzy.
If you, your child or anyone in your care is experiencing a severe dehydration, seek medical attention from a doctor or go to the emergency room.
A convenient care option
With the Virtual Walk-in Clinic, you can see a Parkview provider from your smartphone, tablet or computer and receive the same level of care as an in-person visit at a walk-in clinic. Our providers are available to treat and diagnose non-emergency medical issues, and if necessary, prescriptions are sent right to your pharmacy of choice. Virtual Walk-in Clinic video visits are open to anyone in Indiana or Ohio, even if you don’t currently have a Parkview provider.
To get started, log in to your MyChart account and select Virtual Walk-In Clinic from the menu. For the best visit experience, use the free MyChart mobile app, downloadable for Android or Apple products.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
