Dehydration: happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, and it doesn’t have enough water to function properly. It can range from mild to severe and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems—especially in young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.

What Is Dehydration?

Water is essential for nearly every function in your body—regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, keeping joints lubricated, and removing waste. When you don’t drink enough fluids or lose too much water through sweating, illness, or urination, your body starts to become dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause noticeable symptoms, and severe dehydration can be life-threatening.

Common Causes?

Many things can lead to dehydration, including:

• Not drinking enough water, especially during hot weather or physical activity
• Excessive sweating from heat, exercise, or fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea, which causes rapid fluid loss
• Increased urination due to diabetes or certain medications (like diuretics)
• Illnesses such as the flu or infections that cause fever and fluid loss
• Alcohol consumption, which can act as a diuretic
• Age-related factors, like reduced thirst sensation in older adults

Who’s Most at Risk?

• Infants and young children – They lose fluids more quickly and may not communicate thirst.
• Older adults – They may drink less or have health conditions affecting fluid balance.
• People with chronic illnesses – Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart conditions can raise the risk.
• Athletes or outdoor workers – Especially in hot climates.
• Anyone with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea

Signs and Symptoms?

Symptoms of dehydration can vary by age and severity, but common signs include:

In Adults:

• Thirst and dry mouth
• Dark yellow urine or decreased urine output
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry skin or cool skin
• Headache
• Confusion or irritability (in severe cases)

In Infants and Children:

• Few or no wet diapers in several hours
• Crying without tears
• Dry mouth or tongue
• Sunken eyes or soft spot on the head
• Lethargy or irritability

When to See a Doctor?

You should seek medical help if you or someone you’re caring for shows:

• Severe dizziness or confusion
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• No urination for more than 8 hours
• Seizures
• Signs of heatstroke (hot, dry skin, altered mental state)
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea that prevents fluid intake

Dehydration can become an emergency, especially in infants, older adults, or those with chronic health conditions.

Treatment Options?

Mild dehydration can often be treated at home by increasing fluid intake. Severe cases may require medical attention. Treatments include:

• Drinking water or electrolyte solutions (like oral rehydration salts)
• Avoiding caffeine or alcohol which worsen dehydration
• IV fluids in hospitals for moderate to severe dehydration
• Treating the underlying cause (e.g., managing diarrhea or vomiting)

For children, oral rehydration solutions are best, especially during illness, to help restore fluid and electrolyte balance.

Prevention Tips?

Dehydration is preventable with a few simple habits:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty
• Increase water intake in hot weather or during physical activity
• Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
• Avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks
• Keep an eye on urine color—light yellow is a good sign of hydration
• Encourage children and older adults to drink regularly