Dehydration is a serious medical concern that can have many underlying causes. Dehydration is common during warmer months. Spending time outside, especially if you are active (playing sports, going for a run, or hiking) can lead to dehydration if you aren’t properly hydrating your body throughout the day. Fortunately, many symptoms of dehydration are easy to recognize. In this blog, we’ll explore the symptoms of dehydration and when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day dehydration care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. We specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of seasonal conditions, seven days a week. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
How To Tell If Someone Is Dehydrated
First and foremost, dehydration is most commonly caused by not drinking enough water especially when someone is warm. Dehydration can also be caused by drinking too much coffee or other beverages that contain caffeine. Certain beverages can actually cause the body to dry out leading to dehydration. For adults, common dehydration symptoms include headaches, confusion, tiredness, and dizziness. Physically you may notice muscle cramps, red skin, dry mouth, a cough, or chills. For children, you might notice that they have dry and wrinkled skin, they are taking fast deep breaths, and their tongue and lips are dry. Infants and toddlers can also become confused or upset if they are dehydrated.
Why Does Dehydration Cause Dizziness?
Dehydration leads to a decrease in blood volume. This means there is less blood circulating through the body, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. Lower blood pressure reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your brain, resulting in feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness. Electrolytes are essential for nerve and muscle function. Dehydration can cause an imbalance of these electrolytes, disrupting normal bodily functions. An electrolyte imbalance can affect your balance, contributing to dizziness and lightheadedness.
What Do You Do If Someone Is Dehydrated?
Mild dehydration is the most common and can be solved by drinking water. Some beverages also have electrolytes that can help patients who have lost fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. Getting out of direct sunlight and drinking water is usually all a patient needs to begin to feel better. People tend to feel better 5-10 minutes after they get water in their system.
Moderate dehydration happens when dehydration is not treated quickly enough. People will begin to faint and potentially pass out or have difficulty staying alert. At an urgent care or another medical practice, an IV is often used to help quickly hydrate the patient. If someone is becoming unresponsive or is having difficulty with alertness or confusion, they should be brought to a medical facility.
Severe dehydration happens when someone is in critical condition caused by dehydration. This can include passing out. It is recommended to bring the patient to an emergency room or to call 911 for emergency services.
Get Walk-In Seasonal Care at AFC Urgent Care Cortez
Dehydration can indeed make you feel lightheaded and dizzy. Recognizing the signs of dehydration and taking proactive steps to stay hydrated can help you maintain overall health. If you live in the Cortez, CO area and you are concerned about dehydration or other medical issues, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cortez. Dehydration cases tend to peak during the summer especially when people spend prolonged time outside and avoid drinking water. A quick trip to a medical facility can help people who are experiencing dehydration. We’re open seven days a week– just walk-in today!
We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-pay patients. If you have any additional questions about dehydration treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (970) 516-5500.
