How to Diagnose Dehydration

Dehydration results when the body loses fluids and fails to replace them. Commonly caused by diarrhea, vomiting and high fever, dehydration can lead to serious health problems like heat stroke, seizures, kidney failure and death. Prompt care is required if an adult or child becomes dehydrated. Learn to diagnose dehydration to regain your health.

Instructions

• 1

  Monitor your urine output when you are ill to check for dehydration. If you aren't urinating regularly, drink more fluids. Avoid fruit juice if diarrhea is your ailment.

• 2

  Press on your fingernail to see the color change. When pressed firmly, the skin under the fingernail turns white and should return to pink fairly fast if you are sufficiently hydrated.

• 3

  Check the inside of your mouth to see if it is wet. If your mouth is dry, you are dehydrated to some degree.

• 4

  Pull your skin to see if it is elastic. Properly hydrated skin is stretchable. Taut skin, coupled with a dry mouth are signs that you are dehydrated.

• 5

  Visit your primary care physician to officially diagnose dehydration. Expect him to take your weight, ask about your urine output and inquire about your fluid intake. He will check your blood pressure (low blood pressure is common with dehydration) and possibly take a sample of blood to check electrolyte levels and monitor kidney function.