Dehydration is a serious concern, especially during the warmer months. Spring and summer might have people excited to get outside and enjoy cookouts in their favorite parks or lounging on their favorite beaches. Through all of the excitement, it can be easy to forget to stay hydrated. The increased temperatures can cause your body to sweat and dehydrate much faster. Understanding the symptoms of dehydration can help keep you safe. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between dehydration and stomach pain, outline various prevention tips, and explain when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day dehydration care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our medical team offers immediate care for patients exhibiting dehydration symptoms seven days a week. Just walk-in today!
What Are The Signs of Dehydration?
Dehydration has many associated symptoms. The first and most obvious symptom is thirst. Your body’s first way to alert you to dehydration is by making you feel thirsty. Similarly feeling a dry mouth or your throat feeling dry when you swallow are also signs of dehydration. These are the earliest symptoms and are usually ways our body can make us aware that we need water. If you do not drink water you may start to experience other symptoms including a headache, feeling dizzy or light-headed (especially when you stand up), or noticing that your urine is darker.
Dehydration-Related Stomach Pain
Staying outside in the hot sun and not drinking water can lead to more extreme symptoms and can cause serious problems. You may notice that your heart rate is faster, you are breathing very fast, and you might have a fever. Mentally you might be tired, irritable, confused, or drowsy. If you are experiencing severe dehydration, move to a cool shaded place or indoors. Drink small amounts of cool water frequently. Remove any unnecessary clothing like outer jackets.
A more severe form of dehydration can indeed lead to stomach pain or nausea. Dehydration can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, which are crucial for muscle function and nerve signaling. An imbalance can cause muscle cramps and pain, including in the abdomen muscles. Adequate hydration is essential for proper digestion and bowel function. Dehydration can also lead to constipation, causing stomach pain. Additionally, a lack of fluids can also lead to indigestion, increased acidity, and kidney issues– all of which can affect the stomach.
What Happens If Dehydration Isn’t Fixed?
If you don’t hydrate, your body can experience serious health issues. Dehydration can impact your brain, heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. People can pass out from dehydration and it can even lead to hospitalization or death. If someone is faint and is non-responding or passed out you need to bring them to an emergency room as soon as possible.
When Should I See A Doctor About Dehydration?
Ideally, if you are beginning to feel dehydrated, you can solve it by going indoors and drinking small amounts of cool water. Cold compresses or ice packs can also help with any fever symptoms you might have due to dehydration. If the symptoms begin to subside you will likely be fine and just need to keep drinking water until you feel you are back to normal. However, if symptoms are worsening or you’re experiencing severe stomach pain, seek immediate medical help. If you are with someone who is dehydrated, help them follow the advice above. The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink water throughout the day and to increase how much water you drink when you are outside in hot weather, exercising, or when you are ill.
Get Dehydration Care at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
Dehydration can indeed be a significant cause of stomach pain. Recognizing the signs of dehydration and understanding its impacts on your digestive health are crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Be sure to stay properly hydrated throughout the day to prevent dehydration and stomach pain. If you or someone you know is displaying signs of dehydration, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to evaluate your symptoms and treat your condition accordingly. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us at (973) 669-5900.
