If you’ve ever stood up quickly and felt dizzy or lightheaded, dehydration may be to blame. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting your electrolyte balance and reducing blood flow to the brain. This can make you feel faint, dizzy, or unsteady, especially after exercise, illness, or heat exposure. While mild dehydration is common and easily relieved, persistent lightheadedness could indicate a more serious fluid imbalance or an underlying health issue that requires medical care.
For same-day dehydration treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills. Our team provides IV fluid treatment 7 days a week. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
Why Dehydration Can Make You Feel Lightheaded
Your body relies on water to circulate blood, regulate temperature, and support normal brain and muscle function. When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume drops, which means less oxygen and nutrients reach your brain. This sudden change can trigger lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when you stand up or move suddenly- a condition known as orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing).
In addition, dehydration often causes a drop in essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. These minerals help control muscle contractions and nerve signals, so an imbalance can further contribute to fatigue, confusion, or a feeling of being off-balance.
Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Lightheadedness is just one possible sign of dehydration. Other symptoms may include:
- Thirst or dry mouth
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness or “fuzzy” thinking
- Dark yellow urine or infrequent urination
- Dry skin or lips
- Muscle cramps
If these symptoms persist despite drinking fluids, you may need more advanced rehydration treatment.
When IV Fluids May Be Necessary For Dehydration
Oral hydration is typically effective for mild dehydration, but IV fluids are often necessary when dehydration becomes moderate or severe, or when you’re unable to rehydrate by drinking alone. You may need IV hydration if you’ve been vomiting and can’t keep fluids down, you have severe diarrhea, you feel faint, or if you’re showing any signs of severe dehydration. IV hydration therapy delivers fluids and electrolytes directly into your bloodstream through a small catheter inserted into your arm. This allows for rapid rehydration, much faster and more efficient than drinking fluids. At AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills, our medical team can quickly assess your condition and determine if IV fluids are necessary.
How To Prevent Future Dehydration
To keep dehydration from recurring, be sure to:
- Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty
- Replenish electrolytes after sweating, illness, or physical activity
- Eat hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
- Use a humidifier or avoid prolonged heat exposure during hot weather
If you’ve had the flu, stomach virus, or food poisoning recently, increase your fluid intake and monitor for any signs of dizziness or fatigue. At an urgent care center, providers can evaluate your hydration levels, check vital signs, and administer IV fluids if necessary to restore balance and prevent complications.
Get Same-Day IV Fluids For Dehydration at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills
Yes, lightheadedness is a common sign of dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough fluids, your blood pressure and circulation drop, making you feel dizzy or faint. If drinking water doesn’t relieve your symptoms, or if you’re struggling to stay hydrated due to illness or vomiting, IV hydration at AFC Urgent Care Denver University Hills can help you recover quickly. Our experienced medical team offers fast, effective IV rehydration for your symptoms. Walk in today to restore your strength, balance, and energy safely. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about dehydration treatment, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (303) 756-4500.
