Dehydration usually occurs when the body has insufficient fluids to function properly. While mild dehydration may just make you feel a little tired and thirsty, severe dehydration can lead to fainting spells, blood clots, seizures, and other complications that can lead to seeking medical attention.
Normal symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and throat, dizziness, fatigue while other signs of dehydration aren’t as obvious. Here are six surprising signs and symptoms of dehydration.
Bad Breath
Dehydration can prevent your body from producing enough saliva, which can cause bacteria overgrowth in your mouth, a side effect being bad breath.
Dry Skin
Even if you applied lotion before you left your home for the day, being dehydrated can also cause dull, dry skin.
Dry Eyes or Blurred Vision
When you’re exercising, or have been outside for a while, overall body fluid goes down, which can result in dry eyes and blurred vision.
Headaches
If your work load isn’t already giving you a headache, not drinking enough water might be the cause of it, too.
Muscle Cramps
A nice summer day might be ideal for a pick-up soccer game, but if you’re not hydrating throughout play time, being dehydrated can also cause muscle cramps. As the muscles work harder and harder, they can seize up from overheating.
Fever and Chills
When you’re severely dehydrated, you may experience fever and chills which can make you even more thirsty. If your body temperature reaches 103°F, you should seek medical attention quickly.
How to Tell if You’re Dehydrated
It’s a no-brainer that if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. But there are other ways to check if your body is dehydrated:
Check your urine: If you’re well hydrated, your urine will be mostly clear, or a tine of yellow. If your urine is a darker yellow, or even orange, be sure to stock up on some H2O.
Test your skin: If you can pinch your skin, and it doesn’t revert to it’s normal position after a few seconds, you might be dehydrated.
If you’re feeling dehydrated, or suffering from symptoms of dehydration, be sure to visit any of Instant Urgent Care’s locations in San Jose, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale. For more information about the services we provide, please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 408-687-4806.