10 Signs of Dehydration

By jolene

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water due to excessive loss or inadequate intake. It can cause issues such as the disruption of metabolic processes. Dehydration can be caused by disease, excessive exercise, or high environmental temperature.

Most individuals can tolerate about 3 to 4 percent of total body water loss without significant health effects. However, when the loss ranges from 5 to 8 percent, those affected can experience mild symptoms. With over 10 percent of total body water loss, there can be severe thirst and significant symptoms. Death may even occur when the loss is between 15 to 25 percent.

Dehydration can also result in hypernatremia. Due to larger body water content, younger children are more susceptible to dehydration.

Dehydration Sign #1: Dark Pee

Urine is the liquid by-product of animals and humans. It contains many by-products such as nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and urea, among others. Urination is a means for the body to expel these by-products. In normal situations, most urine is a light straw color.

However, when dehydration occurs, the urine becomes concentrated and the urine color appears dark. It is important to note changes in urine color as it can be caused by side effects such as medication and hematuria.