Did you know that as many as 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? Even though most people drink enough fluids throughout the day, they get dehydrated by eating too much salt or drinking too much caffeine and alcohol.
Most cases of dehydration are mild, which means they can be resolved by making small lifestyle changes and increasing water intake. However, some people may need medical attention to treat dehydration.
Do you want to know when to go to the hospital for dehydration? Keep reading to learn 5 signs you should see a doctor.
Checking your urine is an easy way to see if you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. The ideal color of urine is light yellow. Having clear urine too often may actually be a sign that you’re drinking too much water. If your urine is dark yellow and you don’t go to the bathroom often, that’s one of the most obvious signs of dehydration.
When our bodies don’t have enough water, our brains can actually shrink and pull away from the skull, which causes a headache. Once your body replaces the fluids, your brain can return to its normal size.
Since our bodies can’t function well without water, other symptoms of dehydration include dizziness and sluggishness. If you’re experiencing tiredness that interferes with your normal routine, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Being thirsty and having a dry mouth are other dehydration symptoms that are easy to notice. If these symptoms don’t go away after you drink water, you should go see a doctor. In some cases, drinking water isn’t enough because our bodies could be lacking electrolytes and other vital nutrients that help us retain water.
Our skin is the largest organ, which means it acts like a window into our bodies. If your skin doesn’t look great, it’s usually a good indication that something else is also wrong internally. When you’re dehydrated, your skin loses a lot of moisture in an effort to redirect fluids to more important organs.
One way you can test your skin to see if you’re dehydrated is to give yourself a pinch. Healthy, hydrated skin should slip back into its normal position in no time. When you’re dehydrated, your skin will lose elasticity and have a harder time snapping back into a normal position.
Learning when to go to the hospital for dehydration can help you stay safe when you’re experiencing dangerous symptoms.
If you suspect you’re dehydrated, Coastal Urgent Care Bossier & Haughton would love to treat you. Contact us to learn more about our health services and how we can help you feel better.
