Dehydration

Dehydration happens when your body loses more water than you take in. Your body needs water to perform every basic function. Water helps regulate your temperature, cushion your joints, and transport nutrients to your cells. When you don't have enough fluid, your blood becomes more concentrated and your organs struggle to work properly.

You lose water every day through breathing, sweating, urinating, and digesting food. Most people easily replace this water by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. But sometimes you lose fluid faster than you can replace it. This can happen during hot weather, intense exercise, illness with fever, or digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea.

Mild dehydration is common and usually easy to reverse by drinking more water. Moderate to severe dehydration requires medical attention because it can damage your kidneys, cause seizures, or lead to dangerous drops in blood volume. Chronic low-level dehydration can also stress your body over time and affect your energy, focus, and overall health.

• Thirst and dry mouth
• Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
• Urinating less often than usual
• Fatigue and low energy
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Dry skin that lacks elasticity
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Sunken eyes

Some people don't recognize early signs of dehydration, especially older adults who may have a reduced sense of thirst. Children and athletes who lose fluids quickly may also miss the warning signs until dehydration becomes more serious.

Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you consume. The most common cause is simply not drinking enough water, especially during hot weather or physical activity. Excessive sweating during exercise or fever increases fluid loss. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration because your body loses both water and electrolytes. Certain medications like diuretics increase urination and fluid loss.

Some people face higher risk for dehydration. Older adults have less water in their bodies and may not feel thirsty as readily. Infants and young children lose fluids quickly because of their small body size. People with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease may urinate more frequently. Athletes and outdoor workers lose significant fluids through sweat. Drinking alcohol or caffeine in excess can also increase urination and contribute to dehydration.

Doctors diagnose dehydration through physical examination and blood tests. During an exam, your doctor checks for signs like dry mouth, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and reduced skin elasticity. Blood tests reveal important clues about your hydration status. When you're dehydrated, your blood becomes more concentrated and certain biomarkers change in predictable ways.

Rite Aid's blood testing panel measures multiple biomarkers that indicate dehydration. Elevated blood urea nitrogen, high creatinine levels, and increased hematocrit all suggest your blood is too concentrated. Your sodium, chloride, and potassium levels show how your electrolyte balance has shifted. Albumin and total protein may rise when blood volume drops. A urine test measuring specific gravity and color provides additional evidence. Testing at Quest Diagnostics locations makes it easy to check your hydration status and catch problems before they become serious.

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather, exercise, or illness
• Eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
• Replace electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water after intense exercise
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which increase urination
• Monitor urine color, aiming for pale yellow
• Set reminders to drink water if you often forget
• Seek medical care for severe dehydration with IV fluids
• Address underlying causes like vomiting, diarrhea, or medication side effects
• Work with a doctor if chronic conditions affect your hydration needs