Water is the most essential substance on Earth, and without it life would cease completely. In humans, water deprivation causes a condition called dehydration, and if not addressed early on it can lead to death. Although most individuals have an instinct to drink when they are running low on water reserves, some handicapped, elderly and very young persons are incapable of giving themselves water. For this reason, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of dehydration.

According to eMedicineHealth, the signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe. Here are some of the minor symptoms of early dehydration:

  • Thirst
  • Dry Mouth
  • Tired or sleepy
  • Decreased urine—in infants this may present as only one wet diaper in three hours
  • Urine that is dark in color
  • Headache
  • Dry skin
  • Dizziness
  • Few or no tears
  • Sunken eyes and cheeks

Read: 75% of Americans May Suffer From Chronic Dehydration

If left unaddressed, acute dehydration can escalate quickly to severe dehydration. According to eMedicineHealth, these are signs of severe dehydration:

  • Severely decreased urination
  • Inability to stand or walk normally
  • Very low blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Poor skin elasticity
  • Lethargy, confusion

Electrolytes are what help to carry electrical signals between cells, and dehydration causes poor electrolyte connection, The Mayo Clinic reported. As a result, this can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, seizures, and coma. In addition, dehydration causes the volume of blood in your body to drop. This means there is less oxygen in your body, which leads to shock and eventually death.

See Also:

People Who Stop Drinking Water Risk Brain Shrinkage, Chronic Diseases

Lack Of Drinking Water Deteriorates Human Body