It is important to note that severe dehydration is considered as a life-threatening medical condition that is caused by excessive loss of fluids from the body. An individual can develop dehydration due to certain illnesses, extensive exposure to heat or not drinking enough fluids. It is best to consult a doctor if an individual develops any of the indications of severe dehydration.
Once the initial indications of dehydration occur, there are measures that you can perform such as increasing the fluid intake of the individual. This can help prevent the condition from worsening. If you want to learn more about these measures, click here.
Increased thirst
The usual symptom linked with severe dehydration is increased thirst. Once the body does not have an adequate supply of fluids for the organs and tissues, it signals the brain to induce the sensation of thirst. Once increased thirst occurs, it can be accompanied by stickiness and dryness inside the mouth.
Changes in the mood
Individuals who are suffering from severe dehydration will start to act abnormally as an indication of severe dehydration. If the body does not have enough fluids, the individual will start to feel confused or irritable. When it comes to children, they can appear usually restless or fussy and can become rigorously fatigued or lethargic.
Poor elasticity of the skin
The body requires fluids in order to keep the skin well hydrated. With severe dehydration, it can cause the skin to appear as dry, flaky or shriveled. The individual will also observe that the skin does not have its usual elasticity and does not seem to recoil as normal once it is pinched.
Diminished urination
If the body is not properly hydrated, it will conserve fluid inside the body by limiting urination. During severe dehydration, the urine of the individual will appear amber or dark yellow in color.
Fever
If the individual is suffering from severe dehydration, he/she can develop fever as one of the symptoms. The fever is usually mild and can contribute to the dizziness or headache in some individuals. In some cases, the individual will not produce any sweat even when the body temperature is already elevated due to the fever.
Diminished blood pressure level
If the fluid level in the body is low, it can cause the blood pressure to drop. The low blood pressure due to severe dehydration can initiate symptoms such as dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can also worsen when the individual stands up or sitting up rapidly and can cause instability when walking.
Loss of consciousness
Always bear in mind that severe dehydration can cause some individuals to faint or lose consciousness due to the diminished level of fluids in the body. The loss of consciousness can be headed by incidents of delirium or severe confusion. Once these symptoms manifest, it is best to seek immediate emergency care so that the appropriate medical measures can be delivered.