Signs of dehydration

In the summer months, dehydration can occur swiftly and with dire consequences.

Infants, children and the elderly are at highest risk for dehydration but adults can show symptoms too.

Mild signs of dehydration in children and infants

• Sunken eyes
• Decreased urination
• Dry diapers
• Sunken fontanel (the soft spot on top of the head)
• Absence of tears
• Dry, sticky mucous membranes
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Fussiness

Mild signs of dehydration in adults

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness
• Oversleeping
• Decreased urination
• Yellowish urine
• Smelly urine
• Headache
• Skin is dry
• Dizziness

Severe signs of dehydration

• No urine output
• Deep yellow or amber coloured urine
• Instability
• Dizziness and fainting
• Drop in blood pressure
• Heart rate increases
• Fever
• Poor skin elasticity
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Coma
• Seizures
• Traumatic shock

Conditions that may cause rapid fluid losses and dehydration

• Fever
• Over exercising
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Infection
• Diabetes
• Significant injuries to skin like burns
• Severe skin diseases

When to see a doctor

• Constant vomiting
• Fever over 101 F (38.3 C)
• Diarrhea for more than 2 days
• Sudden, rapid weight loss
• Decreased or no urine production
• Constant weariness
• Seizures
• Difficulty in breathing

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801