Is it possible to feel dehydrated

Most people are prone to acute dehydration under certain circumstances, such as extreme heat exposure or prolonged physical activity. Cases of typical dehydration can be resolved by resting and drinking water.

But chronic dehydration passes the point of simply using more fluid than you take in. Chronic dehydration, when significant, requires prompt medical attention. When left untreated, chronic dehydration has been linked to other health conditions like high blood pressure and kidney stones.

Chronic dehydration presents a bit differently. You may experience some of the above symptoms. Other signs of chronic dehydration include:. Signs of chronic dehydration that a doctor will look for include a concentrated blood volume, abnormal electrolyte levels, and reduced kidney function over time. The causes of chronic dehydration can vary. Risk factors for developing chronic dehydration include:. Heatstroke and living in a hotter climate are often linked.

Frequent diarrhea can leave you dehydrated. Certain digestive tract conditions can make you more prone to diarrhea, including:. Dehydration can occur in children. Childhood illnesses accompanied by a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting also leave children vulnerable to dehydration. Be familiar with the warning signs of dehydration in toddlers. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can also put you at a higher risk for dehydration.

Hyperemesis gravidarum , a condition caused by pregnancy, can make it especially difficult to maintain proper hydration levels. If your doctor suspects you have chronic dehydration, they may run several tests. A simple physical exam test to check for any kind of dehydration is called a skin turgor test. Other testing for chronic dehydration requires lab work. These tests will indicate the extent of your dehydration. Also, having a baseline to compare subsequent labs over time can help your doctor differentiate between acute and chronic dehydration.

They can also help your doctor decide what kind of treatment to recommend. Hydration status changes daily. For this reason, it is difficult to understand the true effects of chronic dehydration on health — especially in conditions that take years to develop, such as cancers.

Chronic dehydration occurs when a person consistently loses more water than they are taking in over a long period of time. Some causes of chronic dehydration include:. They may prescribe electrolyte medication for people who have lost fluid as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.

If a person has serious dehydration, they may need to visit the hospital to receive intravenous fluids. In an otherwise healthy person, drinking water throughout the day and when thirsty usually keeps hydration levels up.

Exercise and heat can affect how much fluid a person needs. This can lead to dehydration if they do not replace these fluids. However, larger sweat loss can be difficult to replace in the short term. A person losing a large amount of sweat through heat or exercise needs a longer recovery period, taking fluids and foods as necessary and replacing electrolytes. Electrolytes — including sodium, potassium , magnesium , and calcium — are essential minerals for normal bodily functioning and are important in hydration.

After exercise, a person can replenish their electrolyte levels with a shop-bought drink or using a homemade electrolyte recipe. People can ensure that they are drinking enough by using various apps that monitor water intake. This might remind a person to drink, particularly if they are busy, do not often feel thirsty, or are very active.

Drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol may also cause dehydration, especially when combined with other factors, such as heat or exercise. Older adults are more likely to experience dehydration. This is because people often feel less thirsty as they get older, and the body begins to store less water.

One review suggests that older adults should drink water even when they are not thirsty, and that they should moderately increase their salt intake when they sweat. Chronic dehydration can occur when a person loses more water than they take in. This can be due to various lifestyle factors, illnesses, or underlying health conditions. If a person has any signs or symptoms of dehydration, they should see their doctor, who can advise on how to rehydrate gradually.

Drinking too much water, especially in a short period of time, can be dangerous or even fatal. Rehydrating during and after exercise can prevent dehydration. However, this is not the case. And you know how you can often see your breath in the cold air? This is actually water vapor your body is losing that needs to be replenished. The best way to avoid excessive fluid loss is to prevent dehydration in the first place.

By following a few, quick tips, you can be one less American with chronic dehydration:. Need care today? Check-in online at a GoHealth Urgent Care center near you using the widget below, or just walk in. Louis, MO. What Is Dehydration? Confusion, Dizziness or Lightheadedness Did you know that your brain is composed of? Fever and Chills Usually we associate a fever and chills with having an illness like the flu or an.

Unconsciousness If you or someone you know is feeling lightheaded or hot due to a high body temperature, they might be on the brink of passing out. Dehydration in Children While all individuals can suffer from dehydration, infants and children are particularly prone.

Dehydration in the Elderly As with infants and children, elderly people are also at higher risk for dehydration. Tips for Staying Hydrated The best way to avoid excessive fluid loss is to prevent dehydration in the first place. Having a by your side can make it even more exciting to drink water morning, evening and night. Try adding natural ingredients to your water, like fresh strawberries, cucumbers, or orange or lemon slices.

There are also plenty of flavored seltzer waters out there for you to choose from. Eat more water-filled foods — While fruits and vegetables are good for you because of all their nutrients—including vitamins, minerals and fibers—they also contain large amounts of water.

Switch up your snacks — Instead of reaching for pretzels, crackers or cookies, chose fresh or frozen fruits with yogurt or cut-up veggies with hummus when your blood sugar runs low. Paired with protein, these fruits and vegetables can give you the added boost to get through your afternoon.

Take a sports drink or coconut water for post-workout. Want to test your knowledge of staying properly hydrated?