Symptoms and Signs of What Are Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults?

Doctor's Notes on What Are Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults?

Dehydration is a state of fluid deficit, or loss, in the body. It happens whenever more fluid is lost than is taken in. Fluid can be lost from the body through bleeding, sweating, vomiting, urination, or diarrhea.

Dehydration can be caused by any illness that causes

• diarrhea or vomiting,
• excessive sweating, injury that causes bleeding, or
• simply by not taking in enough fluid to meet the body's demands.
• Fever can also cause the body to lose more water than usual.

The symptoms of dehydration may be mild or severe. Symptoms associated with dehydration include:

• thirst,
• decreased urination,
• dry and cool skin,
• muscle cramps,
• dark urine, and
• headache.

Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

• Breathing rapidly,
• extremely dry skin,
• rapid heartbeat,
• sleepiness,
• confusion,
• dizziness,
• fainting,
• sunken eyes, and
• not urinating

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency.