While many associate dehydration with thirst, there are other significant signs our bodies exhibit.
Dehydration occurs when you expend or lose more fluids than you consume, which can affect the body’s functionality, experts state.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the body loses fluids and water through processes like sweating and urination.
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“During warm or hot conditions, your body depletes water and fluids at a quicker rate,” Mike Sevilla, M.D., a family physician at Salem Family Care in Ohio, shared with Fox News Digital.
“Failure to replenish these fluids leads to dehydration.”
Fluid loss through sweating means that without replenishment during intense activity, dehydration is possible. (iStock)
While anyone can face dehydration, it poses particular dangers to at-risk groups, such as young children and the elderly.
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5 unexpected signs of dehydration
Medical professionals shared with Fox News Digital some lesser-known symptoms of dehydration beyond mere thirst.
1. Sweating
Excessive sweating might be an unexpected sign of dehydration.
When you sweat, you lose water, so engaging in strenuous activity without fluid replacement can lead to dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Illness is a frequently neglected contributor to dehydration, often causing fluid loss. (iStock)
“In hot and humid conditions, we lose more water through sweat, which signals the brain that water is needed, hence the sensation of thirst,” Lauren Fine, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Fine Dermatology in Chicago, explained to Fox News Digital.
2. Illness
Illness is a commonly overlooked factor contributing to dehydration. With significant vomiting or diarrhea, fluid loss can occur rapidly, particularly in younger individuals and the elderly, Sevilla indicated.
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“A fever or infection can also cause dehydration since fever may induce sweating and fluid loss,” he cautioned.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue often serves as an early warning sign of dehydration.
Experts indicate fatigue is an early sign of dehydration. (iStock)
“Individuals commonly overlook this symptom, dismissing it as mere tiredness,” Sevilla mentioned — though it can escalate to dizziness and light-headedness.
To counteract fatigue, he advises consuming electrolyte-rich beverages for an energy boost.
4. Dark urine
If your urine appears amber, honey-colored, or dark orange, it may signify that your body isn’t receiving adequate hydration, according to Health.com.
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“When dehydrated, the body conserves water leading to progressively darker urine,” Michael A. Palese, M.D., chair of the Department of Urology at Mount Sinai in New York, informed Health.com.
5. Skin changes
Dry skin may appear dull and parched, showcasing early signs of aging like surface wrinkles.
Skin changes can indicate dehydration, according to experts. (iStock)
“Skin cells require water to survive,” Fine stated.
To maintain skin hydration, she suggests drinking water while exercising, limiting coffee and other caffeinated drinks, and increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
When to seek medical attention
Prolonged dehydration without adequate fluid intake leads to exacerbated symptoms, Sevilla warned.
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Severe dehydration results in dizziness, confusion, elevated heart rate, and low blood pressure, he explained.
“The more severe the dehydration, the harder it becomes for individuals to drink enough fluids to remedy the situation,” he commented.
In severe cases of dehydration, individuals might necessitate a hospital visit for IV fluid replenishment. (iStock)
For severe dehydration, a hospital or emergency department visit may be required for IV fluid administration.
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Both doctors stressed the significance of taking preventative measures by hydrating with water or electrolyte-infused drinks before participating in physical activities or sports.
