Rate this post

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

When you have a cold or the flu, it's common to lose your appetite.  When you are ill, however, you may not take in enough liquids as well.  When you lose more water than you take in, you can get dehydrated. Infants and children are at greater risk because of their smaller size. If you also have fever, diarrhea or vomiting, the risk of dehydration is even greater.

Signs and symptoms of mild dehydration
Though symptoms of dehydration can vary from one person to another, the most common signs of mild dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Less-frequent urination
• Dry, warm skin
• Increased fatigue
• Cramping
• Flushed
• Headaches
• Dry mouth

Signs of dehydration in babies and children can include:

• Being less active
• Fewer tears when crying
• Fewer wet diapers than a child normally has.

When to call a doctor
Always call your doctor if you think that you or someone in your family is dehydrated. Though dehydration is sometimes mild, the severe form is a serious medical emergency. A person with severe dehydration may need fluids intravenously in a clinic or hospital.

Symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration can include the following, and will require emergency medical care:

• Low blood pressure
• Severe muscle contractions in the arms, legs, stomach and back
• Slightly sunken soft spot on top of a baby's head
• Sunken dry eyes, with few or no tears
• Skin losing its firmness and looking wrinkled
• Lack of elasticity of the skin (when a bit of skin lifted up stays folded and takes a long time to go back to its normal position)

Call 911 if there is:

• Fainting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Extreme irritability, decreased alertness, speech changes, confusion or unconsciousness

Watch the person who is sick carefully for any signs of dehydration. Call your doctor if you think he or she is becoming dehydrated.

Further information can be acquired by all MD247.com members by calling 866-232-1343.