Dehydration Warning Signs and Overhydration

Continuing yesterdays article, what are some signs and symptoms of dehydration? Mild to moderate dehydration symptoms include dry, sticky mouth, strong thirst, fatigue, less urine than normal, weakness, headache and lightheadedness. If any of these are present, you are experiencing initial stages of dehydration and it is important to immediately start replacing bodily fluids.
Extreme dehydration symptoms include extreme thirst, low blood pressure with a rapid heartbeat, sunken eyes, lack of sweating when exercising or in heat, inability to urinate, fever, even delerium or unconsciousness in extreme cases. Extreme dehydration is a medical emergency and should be treated as such.
As we discussed yesterday, it is difficult to know how much water/fluids you should consume in a day. There is a way in which you can monitor your fluid intake to assure you are getting enough. Look at your urine. It should be clear or light yellow means that you're getting enough water. If it is dark yellow or amber you are likely dehydrated.
It is possible to over hydrate. This leads to a condition called hyponatremia. This is most often seen in endurance athletes, who consume only water and do not replace lost electrolytes. Some symptoms of this include light-headedness or mild vertigo, altered personality, disorientation, convulsions, and shock. In extreme cases, coma and even death are a possibility. Keep in mind that this is exceedingly rare, and should really only be a concern if you are an endurance athlete, or have diarrhea or vomiting. If this is the case, be sure to consume something that will replace lost electrolytes along with the fluid lost.