Dehydration is a condition of the body caused by loss of water and essential body salts. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include dry |mouth|, decreased or absent urination, sunken |eyes|, wrinkled skin, confusion, low ~blood~ pressure, and coma. The primary cause is due to excessive sweating during |exercise|, especially in hot, humid weather, as well as persistent vomiting or ~diarrhea~ from any cause, use of diuretics (water pills) or other drugs that deplete fluids and electrolytes, overexposure to sun or heat, recent illness with high |fever|, or chronic |kidney| disease. Possible complications of dehydration are ~blood~ pressure drop, |shock|, or even death from prolonged, severe dehydration.
Dehydration can be prevented. Drink water in small quantities frequently during |exercise| that causes excessive sweating. If you're vomiting or have ~diarrhea~, take small amounts of liquid with non-prescription electrolyte supplements, every 30-60 minutes. If you use diuretics, weigh yourself daily. Report to your doctor any weight loss of more than three pounds in one day or five pounds in one week. Weigh yourself before and after workout sessions. Skip the workout if a weight loss of 2% or more has not been regained.
Treatment for dehydration should be done under the advice of a physician. This usually involves bed rest and taking frequent small amounts of clear liquids (large amounts can trigger vomiting). Severe or prolonged cases may require hospitalization for a time with fluids being taken intravenously.
