Signs of Dehydration

Symptoms of dehydration usually begin with thirst and progress to more alarming manifestations as the need for water becomes more dire. The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body has lost about 2% of it's total fluid. These mild dehydration symptoms are often (but not limited to):

•Thirst
•Loss of Appetite
•Dry Skin
•Skin Flushing
•Dark Colored Urine
•Dry Mouth
•Fatigue or Weakness
•Chills
•Head Rushes


If the dehydration is allowed to continue unabated, when the total fluid loss reaches 5% the following effects of dehydration are normally experienced:

•Increased heart rate
•Increased respiration
•Decreased sweating
•Decreased urination
•Increased body temperature
•Extreme fatigue
•Muscle cramps
•Headaches
•Nausea
•Tingling of the limbs

When the body reaches 10% fluid loss emergency help is needed IMMEDIATELY! 10% fluid loss and above is often fatal! Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

•Muscle spasms
•Vomiting
•Racing pulse
•Shriveled skin
•Dim vision
•Painful urination
•Confusion
•Difficulty breathing
•Seizures
•Chest and Abdominal pain
•Unconsciousness