Dehydration occurs when one loses more fluid than they take in, leaving the body with inadequate fluid to function properly. This condition can occur to anyone; however, it’s more dangerous in older adults and children. One of the most common causes of dehydration in young children is vomiting and severe diarrhea. On the other hand, older adults are more prone to the condition because of the naturally low volume of water in their bodies.
Top 4 unusual signs of dehydration
Usually, some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are constipation, fatigue, or dizziness. However, sometimes a few ignored signs could also indicate the presence of this condition. Hence, here are some of the unusual signs of dehydration to look out for.
Bad breath
The saliva in the mouth has antibacterial properties. However, dehydration can prevent the generation of saliva, leading to an increase in the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can cause bad breath, which also occurs when one wakes up in the morning.
Dry or flushed skin
In most cases, when one is dehydrated, they may produce an increased amount of sweat. However, when the individual goes through the different stages of dehydration, they may notice dry skin. Furthermore, the skin can also appear flushed.
Muscle cramps
When the body loses more fluid than it intakes, it cannot cool down efficiently. This can lead to heat illness. One of the symptoms of the illness to look out for includes muscle cramps which occur due to increased heat in the muscles. Changes in the levels of sodium and potassium can also lead to muscle cramps.
Headaches
People experiencing dehydration may notice an increase in the occurrence of headaches. This happens because mild dehydration can also trigger migraine headaches. In such cases, one can drink a full glass of water or continue to intake fluids throughout the day.
Further, one can check if the body is experiencing any signs of dehydration by checking the urine color. If the body is hydrated, the urine must be clear with a tinge of yellow. If dehydrated, then the color may change to dark yellow or orange.