Dehydration arises when the body loses more water than it takes in, depleting blood volume and impairing every system that depends on circulating fluid. It can develop in hours under hot, dry, or exertion-heavy conditions, or over days of restricted access to drinkable water, and it almost always precedes and worsens other privations such as heat stroke or starvation.
Symptoms
Persistent thirst, dry mouth and lips, sticky saliva, decreased and darkened urine output, headache, and lethargy. The skin loses elasticity and remains tented when pinched.
Progression
If water is not restored, blood pressure falls, the pulse races to compensate, and concentration deteriorates into confusion, fainting, and eventually shock. Severe dehydration is fatal in a matter of hours, particularly in hot climates or when paired with exertion.
Treatment
- Restore fluids slowly — small, frequent sips of clean water or weak salt-sugar solution
- Move to shade and reduce exertion
- Loosen restrictive clothing and cool the skin if heat is a factor
- Avoid alcohol, strong tea, and other diuretics during recovery