If you're a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, such as water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others), especially before, during and after exercise. Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.
You can help prevent dehydration from becoming severe by carefully monitoring someone who is sick and giving fluids at the first sign of dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting or fever. Get immediate medical care if you or a loved one develops any of the severe signs and symptoms described below.
10 Signs of Dehydration
By Mayo Clinic Staff, Adapted by Allison D.Salibian, November 2014
Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause these 10 signs:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
- Thirst
- Decreased urine output
- No wet diapers for three hours for infants
- Few or no tears when crying
- Dry skin
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause these 10 signs:
- Extreme thirst
- Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
- Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be darker than normal
- Sunken eyes
- Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat and/or rapid breathing
- No tears when crying
- Fever
- In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
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