What Happens When Your Body Doesn’t Get Enough Hydration?
When your body loses more fluid than you replace, dehydration can develop. Even mild dehydration can affect how you feel and function.
Common signs include:
Thirst and dry mouth
Dark-yellow urine or urinating less often
Headache and dizziness
Fatigue and weakness
Dry skin
Constipation
Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused
More severe dehydration can cause rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, fainting, and potentially life-threatening complications, particularly in older adults, young children, and people who are ill.
How to stay hydrated
Drink fluids regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you become very thirsty. You may need more fluids during hot weather, exercise, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If someone is confused, extremely drowsy, fainting, barely urinating, or unable to keep fluids down, they need prompt medical attention.
