Dehydration is a common condition. It can affect anyone during any time of year but typically is most common among active people in the warm summer months. Our bodies require water in order to function properly. During the hot summer months, our bodies require us to drink more water because the hot temperatures cause us to sweat, which utilizes our body’s water supply. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness. Monitoring your water intake throughout the day and learning to listen to your body can help ensure that you stay hydrated, but what are the signs of dehydration to look out for? Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms of dehydration.
At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, we are here to support your health and wellness. That is why our medical providers are board-certified and trained to identify the early signs of dehydration and provide rapid treatment for severe dehydration. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule an appointment online.
Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Dehydration is a very common condition. The thought of drinking water can sometimes slip our minds as we go about our daily routines. Staying well hydrated has many important health and wellness benefits including supporting healthy skin and hair in addition to supplying critical support for your organs. Without proper water intake, your body will not be able to function efficiently. This can cause you to feel very fatigued and if not addressed, will cause a variety of other symptoms over time.
Identifying the signs of dehydration before it becomes severe is the best way to ensure that you’re keeping your body well-hydrated. Some common early symptoms of dehydration include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth or lips
- Headaches
- Dark urine
- Muscle cramps
Who’s Most at Risk for Becoming Dehydrated?
Dehydration is a very common condition and it can affect anyone. However, there are some high-risk individuals that should monitor their water intake more closely to ensure that they are staying hydrated. This includes very active people who exercise regularly, anyone who lives in a particularly warm climate, anyone who works outdoors, children, and the elderly.
If you’re staying active and exercising regularly, your body likely requires more water than someone who isn’t active. It is important to hydrate well before being active because dehydration can lead to feeling lightheaded or even fainting. The elderly and young children both are high-risk groups for dehydration as well, so it is important to encourage hydration regularly throughout the day.
Tips for Preventing Dehydration
In most cases, dehydration is very mild and can easily be addressed with regular hydration. Drinking water regularly throughout the day should ensure that you’re staying sufficiently hydrated. However, if you do notice any symptoms of dehydration, you should consider increasing your daily water intake.
It is important to drink fluids throughout the day. Although they may temporarily curb your thirst, drinks like juices are not a water substitution and should be consumed in moderation. Similarly, drinks like coffee and alcohol are proven to cause dehydration, so ensure you’re balancing your water intake appropriately. Adding electrolytes to your water can help provide a rapid boost of hydration, however, be cautious of added sugars and other filler ingredients which can be more harmful than helpful to your health.
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for Walk-In Care in West Long Branch, NJ
If you’re struggling with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, it’s important that you seek medical care. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our clinic offers patients in West Long Branch, NJ, and the surrounding communities with walk-in care for symptoms of dehydration. Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended business hours, making it easy to stop in and get rapid care from our board-certified medical providers. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care for patients paying out of pocket for their healthcare. We maintain short wait times and never require you to schedule an appointment, simply walk in!
