What are the Symptoms of Severe Dehydration?

Mild dehydration occurs whenever your body releases more fluids than it takes in. It can occur whenever you're exercising or dealing with intense heat and can usually be corrected by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks. Severe dehydration is a much more serious condition, usually requiring medical attention. It can occur when mild dehydration is left unchecked, or when excessive vomiting or diarrhea causes you to lose a dangerous amount of fluids. Signs and symptoms of severe dehydration should never be ignored: Contact a doctor immediately upon noticing them.

Extreme Thirst

• People suffering from severe dehydration may be extremely thirsty. Other symptoms are usually a more accurate barometer of how far the dehydration has advanced.

Excessive Fluid Retention

• With serve dehydration, urination drops to almost zero and what little urine is produced will be dark yellow. The patient may stop sweating as well and if he cries, then no tears will flow from his eyes.

Irritability

• Severe dehydration can produce confusion and irritability in adults--and in the worse cases, may precede passing out. Children and babies may become extremely fussy or display signs of fatigue and sleepiness.

Dry Mouth and Skin

• Skin may become dry in cases of severe dehydration, as well as losing its elasticity. Similarly, the mouth and mucus membranes may dry up as well.

Lower Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure drops when the patient is severely dehydrated, and the heartbeat becomes rapid.