Dehydration - symptoms and what to do~

Early dehydration
- dry mouth, thirst, restless or irritable behaviour, headache, mild muscle cramping.

Moderate dehydration
- dry mouth, extreme thirst, flushed face, headache, warm and dry skin, lack of urine production, dizziness, weakness, cramps in the arms and legs.

Severe dehydration
- all above, plus severe cramping, low blood pressure, fainting, convulsions, bloated stomach, lack of elasticity of skin, rapid deep breathing, fast and weak pulse – in extreme cases, heart failure.

Treatment

- If you develop early signs of dehydration, get out of the sun; ideally go somewhere cool, in the shade. Splash yourself with tepid water or apply cool, wet cloths to your face and neck and drink water slowly, small sips at a time.

If your symptoms are not relieved within half an hour or so, or you go on to develop severe symptoms such as an inability to pass urine, vomiting, weakness or cramping, consult a doctor immediately.