الأربعاء، 18 يوليو 2012

How to Stay Safe by Knowing the Danger and Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration can occur when you do not take in enough fluid for your body to carry out it's normal functions. It can lead to serious and life threatening side effects. When you are physically hiking, biking, playing sports etc., your lack of drinking water will allow the lactic acid to stay in your muscles and create severe muscle cramps. Frequent drinking is important in all activities and especially in the heat.

Keep in mind that you need to drink more in hot or humid weather. Also eating fruits and vegetables that are high in water content will help. Even when wearing insulated clothing in cold weather, you may need more fluid from sweating. In higher altitudes you urinate more as your body adjusts to the change in altitude and your breathing becomes more rapid, causing you to exhale more water vapor.

Here are a few of the common causes of dehydration:

Intense diarrhea

Vomiting

Excessive sweating or Fever

Frequent urination (such as with diabetes or hormonal disorders)

Hiking up a mountain, swimming, biking, playing sports etc., without drinking or eating

Signs of Mild to Moderate Dehydration:

Dry mouth

Sleepiness

Thirst

Decreased urination

Few or no tears when crying

Dry skin

Headache

Constipation

Lightheaded or dizzy

Signs of Severe Dehydration which may become a medical emergency:

Extreme thirst

Extreme sleepiness in infants & children and confusion and irritability in adults

Very dry mouth, mucous membranes and skin

Lack of sweating

Little or not urination with the color of it being dark yellow or amber instead of light colored

Sunken eyes

Dry and shriveled skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched. It lacks elasticity

In infants, a sunken soft spot on the top of the baby's head

Low blood pressure

Rapid breathing

Rapid heartbeat

No tears when crying

Fever

Unconsciousness or delirium in most serious cases

The ONLY treatment for overcoming dehydration is to replace the lost fluids and the sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade and also Pedialyte, all contain ingredients to replace your electrolytes as well. If the situation is serious enough, the hospital is the place to go for receiving salts and fluids intravenously (through a vein). This helps the body react quicker than drinking to restore the hydration.

Ignoring the signs of dehydration can lead to serious complications such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, swelling of the brain, seizures, hypovolemic shock (low blood volume), kidney failure, or even coma and death.

So, be aware of the danger of becoming dehydrated and be sure to carry water with you wherever you go. Preventing dehydration is easier than trying to make up for the loss of fluid necessary for your body to function properly. For hiking, biking, mountain climbing, hunting etc., carry energy bars also for a quick pick-me-up. Especially pay close attention to young children and older adults who may frequently forget to eat or drink altogether. Enjoy your outdoor experience by becoming more knowledgeable and aware of the danger signs of dehydration.

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