Dehydration can affect people during any season, not just summer. In fact, the winter months may cause a rise in dehydration cases. People tend to spend less time prioritizing their water intake when the temperature drops and sweating isn’t as common. If you’re feeling tired, dizzy, or irritable, you may be experiencing winter dehydration.
Luckily, there are several ways to cure dehydration quickly. Continue reading to recognize the signs of dehydration, how it can occur, and how to find symptom relief. The walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Bedford provides same-day treatment for mild dehydration symptoms. Our board-certified providers can help families rehydrate and get the fluids they need, with no appointment necessary.
Signs and Symptoms of Winter Dehydration
Dehydration symptoms can vary from person to person, but generally thirst is a primary signafier. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dehydration will help you realize when you might need to seek professional treatment, especially in the winter.
The symptoms of dehydration in adults include:
- Thirst
- Dark-colored urine
- Sweating
- Urinating less frequently
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, and drinking more water isn’t helping, come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Bedford. Our team can treat dehydration and provide fluid intake for mild to moderate cases, helping rehydrate patients quickly.
How Can You Be Dehydrated in the Winter?
When the cold dry air sets in, our bodies naturally have a harder time hydrating, as we tend to wear heavier clothes and our sweat evaporates at a faster rate. Oftentimes, we just forget the importance of hydration during the winter and drink less water than the summer months. There are other causes of dehydration, including drinking beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, and sugary drinks. Additionally, people are more likely to experience illness in the winter. When you are suffering from a cold, the flu, or another sickness with a sore throat, you might not be getting a proper fluid intake which can also lead to dehydration.
If left untreated, dehydration can lead to serious complications such as heat stroke and kidney failure. To maintain your health and wellness, it is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and seeking medical attention if necessary.
How is Dehydration Treated?
If you are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, it's important to rehydrate as quickly as you can to avoid complications. At home, you can help your body rehydrate by consuming plenty of fluids containing electrolytes. You can also eat foods with a high water content like fruits and vegetables. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our team of medical providers can treat dehydration for mild to moderate cases. Typically, our providers will recommend IV fluids to quickly rehydrate your body and we can examine symptoms to make sure you stay healthy and feel your best.
Dehydration can be a serious condition, but there are several things you can do to prevent it. AFC Bedford is here to help you find symptom relief. Our walk-in clinic is open every day of the week, servicing patients of all ages. We accept many insurances and offer low costs for our self-pay patients. For more information on winter dehydration, please call us directly at (781) 430-8161.
