Dehydration is a serious risk in the summer months. Our bodies use up more water when we are outdoors in hot weather. This means that we have to replenish our bodies accordingly when it’s hot outside and watch for signs of dehydration. Although dehydration is very common, if it is not managed properly it can cause a variety of concerning health impacts and symptoms. Learn more about the common symptoms of dehydration to watch out for and how to ensure that you’re taking the appropriate steps to stay hydrated this summer.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst can help. Our board-certified medical providers are available daily to provide rapid support for symptoms of dehydration. In addition to rapid care for dehydration, our clinic can provide lifestyle advice to ensure that you’re taking the necessary steps to be proactive about your health and wellness this summer. Simply walk into the clinic!
Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Dehydration is a very common condition. It happens when you do not properly hydrate, resulting in your body experiencing an imbalance between the amount of water it is using to support itself and the amount of water you’re consuming. During the summer months, our bodies tend to use more water than in the winter, increasing the amount of water our bodies require to function. As a result, many people become dehydrated during the summer months.
Common symptoms of dehydration include:
- Lightheadedness
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Dark colored urine
- Dizziness
Should You Seek Medical Care For Dehydration Symptoms?
Dehydration is very common and in most cases, it can easily be corrected. However, ignoring symptoms of dehydration or being unprepared for long stretches of exercise can be dangerous. Dehydration can cause dizziness, which can impair your ability to drive or safely navigate your surroundings. In most cases, increasing your water intake throughout the day will help to resolve any dehydration symptoms and prevent dehydration in the future.
If you’re severely dehydrated from something like an illness or from over-exhorting yourself in the heat, you may need medical care. Ignoring the symptoms of dehydration can lead to severe dehydration which can cause further medical issues such as organ damage. Preventing severe dehydration is easy when you plan your hydration based on your daily activity levels.
Tips for Preventing Dehydration This Summer
The best way to avoid dehydration symptoms is to ensure that you’re staying hydrated. There is no official amount of water that you should be consuming on the daily to maintain your health. It depends on your body’s specific needs and your lifestyle. Generally speaking, males require more water than females because their bodies are larger. If you’re active or spend a lot of time outdoors when it’s hot, you should plan to increase your water intake accordingly. Generally, if you are not experiencing any symptoms of dehydration, your body is well-hydrated. However, if you’re concerned about whether you’re staying hydrated, speak to your medical provider.
It can be difficult to stay hydrated. Sometimes, drinking water simply isn’t appealing. Similarly, drinking too much liquid at once can make it difficult to exercise. Electrolytes are a great way to maintain your hydration levels. They often taste good, which can encourage drinking for young children who may be fussy about drinking water. However, be careful not to substitute all of your water intake with sugary energy drinks, as these can have more health drawbacks than benefits.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Walk-In Medical Care in Lyndhurst, NJ
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness, it is important to increase your overall liquid intake. If you’re someone who is very active or spends a lot of time outdoors, you may want to consider consulting your medical provider to create a plan for how much water you should be drinking throughout the day to ensure that your body is well hydrated. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst, our clinic can provide support for dehydration for patients of all ages. If you’re suffering from symptoms of severe dehydration, walk into the clinic for rapid care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. We never require you to make an appointment to receive prompt care, simply walk into the clinic.
