How To Recognize the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration is a topic that I can readily identify with at this time as my wonderful

80 year old mother has been fighting cancer for two years now and is attempting her third round of chemotherapy, but has recently been hospitalized from complications due to severe dehydration. It is very important for people fighting cancer to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration before it leads to serious health issues.

People taking chemotherapy often have several side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea and this can lead to dehydration. If this occurs, they should be closely monitored before the dehydration becomes severe.

The definition of dehydration is the loss of body fluids that can occur because of vomiting, diarrhea, sweating heavily, and being exposed to the sun for long periods of time. These fluids are essential for our bodies to work properly and without them, our bodies cannot function the way they are supposed to.

There are several signs of dehydration such as the following:

* dizziness, general feeling of weakness

* less urine output

* dry mouth

* thirst

* difficulty in swallowing dry foods

* dry skin/lips

If you experience a small amount of urine output or none at all during a 12 hour time period or if your urine is dark in color or you experience dizziness or fainting when you stand up, you should call your doctor and get checked. Dehydration can also effect your mind and throw you into a state of confusion.

One of the best ways to prevent dehydration is to try to drink plenty of fluids. This may sound simple, but when you are fighting nausea and diarrhea,, it can become a difficult task to drink properly. Try to drink small amounts to a time or a few ounces of clear liquid every 15 to 30 minutes until you are able to keep larger amounts down. Try ice chunks as they can be good for a dry mouth and also for small amounts of fluid intake.

Do not drink large amounts of caffeinated beverages such as sodas and coffee to try to prevent dehydration as large amounts of caffeine can reduce your urine output and lead to dehydration.

If you feel like you are getting dehydrated or you are at risk, call your doctor! Your doctor can treat vomiting and diarrhea with medications and this will reduce the risk of becoming dehydrated. They also may give you certain fluids or oral rehydrating solutions depending on your condition. In some cases, fluids may need to be given to you intravenously. You should always check with your doctor first before you attempt to take anything such as salt tablets or your own oral hydrating solution to help with dehydration.

I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my healthy living web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.

www.healthadmire.com

How To Recognize the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

By: Brent Cullen

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