Dehydration: what are the symptoms?

The body needs water, especially when it is hot. Without it, we risk dehydration. A physiological condition that requires urgent treatment. Insights from Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner to limit risks.

Definition: what is dehydration?

Dehydration refers to the fact that the body is deprived, partially or entirely, of its water. An adult’s body is 60% water. Staying well hydrated remains fundamental for the functioning of the body. Signs of dehydration can appear as soon as water loss reaches 10%. Babies, young children, the elderly and sick people are more exposed to dehydration.

What are the causes of dehydration?

It can be caused by insufficient water absorption, but also by fever, diarrhea and vomiting, physical activity or improper medication treatment, particularly following taking too many diuretic medications or laxatives, or excessive alcohol intake. It can also be the consequence of excessive sweating, particularly following intense physical activity or in the event of a heatwave. Infants, young children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes are more susceptible to dehydration.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Dehydration causes:

• Headaches (headaches)
• A feeling of fatigue
• A loss of tone
• Nausea
• Muscle pain.
• A permanently dry mouth and lips
• A dullness of the eyes and the appearance of dark circles
• Weight loss
• Fatigue.

In the most severe cases, it can be fatal, especially if the weight loss is greater than 10% of the total weight, because it triggers dysfunction of certain vital organs such as the heart, brain, liver, etc. In the case of severe dehydration, fever, headache, dizziness and loss of consciousness appear.

What are the symptoms in babies?

“In infants, particularly before 6 months, a state of dehydration is manifested by unusual behavior: the baby sleeps a lot, he is difficult to wake up, he moans. He breathes quickly, he is pale, his eyes are dark circles. His fontanelle is depressed. And above all, he loses weight quickly, you should be concerned about it from 5/% loss compared to his previous weight”, alerts Dr. Aubé.

What to do in children and infants:

• give him salty-sweet drinks or oral rehydration solutions
• weigh it and follow its weight curve
• take your temperature regularly
• count the volume of liquids absorbed and the number of diarrhea and vomiting
• carefully monitor his behavior
• consult if there is the slightest doubt.

What are the symptoms in older people?

Elderly people are prone to dehydration, especially during heat episodes. These people sweat less and do not often have the urge to drink spontaneously. Symptoms usually include weight loss, fatigue, drowsiness, dry skin and mouth, constipation, skin folds, and decreased amount of urine. There is also a slowdown in cardiac activity, a drop in blood pressure, kidney failure, a reduction in alertness and confusion…. When these signs appear, it is important to consult a doctor quickly.

What to do in case of dehydration?

“In the event of dehydration in adults, particularly the elderly: lay the person down, undress them, fan them, cool them with damp cloths, give them drinks containing sugar and salt more frequently than usual: sugar water, salty vegetable broths”, advises the general practitioner. In an emergency, when faced with serious signs of dehydration and particularly if it is an infant, you must call 15 (or 112 if from a mobile).

Thanks to Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner.