What are the signs of dehydration?

Question

I have been on a new medication and have lost all appetite. I feel sick every time I eat or drink something and haven't eaten much for the last 2 days. Also, I haven't had hardly anything to drink either. What are signs of serious dehydration that I need to watch for?

my mom has already called the doctor and a pharmacist. they are saying that it is just side affects from starting the meds.

Answer 1

You may want to speak to your doctor and mention the side effects that you are having.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses a lot of water..

Causes of water loss via sweating, diarrhea, lack of drinking water, urinating, etc.

Basic signs include:

1) Dry mouth
2) Constipation
3) sleepy/groggy
4) nausea
5) dizziness
6)headache

Hope this helps. You can also visit www.webmd.com

Answer 2

Dehydration is due to lack of water and minerals in blood, and loss of appetite is another entity. Combining both of them you can land in serious trouble.
I hope you have taken any medications to reduce your weight.
Rule out liver problem, by a good physician.

ALL the best.

Answer 3

I would like to add that thirst is a very poor indicator of dehydration. Urine color is better, should be pale yellow. If's dark yellow you must drink some water. Even a little dehydration can be dangerous.

Answer 4

The first thing you need to do is call your doc and let him know you are having side effects from the medication. The doc has NO CLUE that you are having side effects if you dont call and tell him. Poor skin turgur aka pull on your skin and see if it stays standing up or not, dark yellow urine and sunken eyes etc.

Answer 5

The simplest way to check for dehydration is to check urine color. It should be clear or very pale yellow. If it begins to darken in color, fluid intake should increase.

(Note: If you've increased water intake -- but thirst, headache or other symptoms persist -- check with your doctor. It might simply be that a fluid containing electrolytes is needed to restore a normal balance. It could also be that some other underlying cause requires medical attention.)

Remember: if you try to drink a large amount of water all at once, your kidneys will simply flush the excess fluid by sending you to the bathroom. It's better to drink regular amounts of fluid throughout the day. Each morning, pour the liquid you need to drink and make sure that by the end of the day, it's gone. That way, you won't forget how much you've already had.

Mild Dehydration: (increase fluid intake -- and for babies, call a medical professional): Thirst, dry lips, dry mouth, flushed skin, fatigue, irritability, headache, urine begins to darken in color, urine output decreases

Moderate Dehydration: (call a medical professional): All of the signs of mild dehydration, plus: skin doesn't bounce back quickly when pressed, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, (in infant - sunken fontanel, the soft spot on the head), output of urine will be limited and color of urine will be dark yellow, cramps, stiff and/or painful joints, severe irritability, fatigue, severe headache

Severe Dehydration: (call emergency number): All of the signs of mild and moderate dehydration, plus: blue lips, blotchy skin, confusion, lethargy, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, rapid and weak pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, high fever, inability to pee or cry tears, disinterest in drinking fluid

Answer 6

the medication does not agree with you, talk to your pharmacist and doctor, pinch the top of your hand if it does not go back into place easily that is a good sign, mouth dry, try to eat things like popsicles, or drink flat 7 up, gingerale all have sugars to boost your energy and hydrate you.

Answer 7

dizziness and headaches