Signs of internal dehydration (dehydration)

Signs of internal dehydration (dehydration)
The body of an adult person consists of about 60% water. A balanced water balance is necessary to maintain all physical and mental functions, we feel optimally efficient. Go to the human body, e.g. Diseases that cause large quantities of water to be lost without adequate liquid supply threatens dehydration, which can be life-threatening. But there are clear signs that herald a dehydration and in the general condition, the skin and mucous membranes are visible.

If the fluid intake is neglected, there are serious health consequences due to dehydration. (Picture credits: Bernd Kasper / pixelio.de)

Water enters our body through the consumption of beverages and solid food, but also through respiration, and leaves it with urine, sweat and exhaled air. Through constant regulation, the body now tries to establish an equilibrium.

The most important signal of the body is the feeling of thirst, which warns at an early stage of the danger of internal dehydration. So when we feel thirsty, there is already a certain lack of water that needs to be compensated. Nevertheless, if no fluid is taken up or excreted in large quantities, low blood pressure (hypotension), tachycardia, low, concentrated urine levels, tiredness, weakness, nausea and difficulty concentrating, all the way to consciousness clouding. Externally visible signs are dry mucous membranes, a cracked tongue with barky coating and standing folds of skin: skin folds, which are lifted with the thumb and forefinger, do not simply fall back when released.

Causes of an internal dehydration are v.a. the increased excretion of water in case of severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting, excessive sweating, hormonal regulation disorders (diabetes insipidus) and disorders of renal function. Even the constant low fluid intake as a drinking habit can lead to health problems. Especially old people and children drink too little (water), which causes them especially exhaustion, headaches and difficulty concentrating. (Dipl.Päd. Jeanette Viñals Stein, non-medical practitioner)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)

Picture 1: Lupo / pixelio.de