Dehydration: Telltale Signs And Treatment Options - Legacy ER

While the “fact” that 75% of Americans were suffering from dehydration in 2013 is up for debate, there’s no doubt that dehydration is probably more common than you’d think. Do you feel thirsty reading this right now? Then you’re already dehydrated. By the time your body sends the signals that you’re in need of hydration, you’ll have to play catch-up to get the H2O you actually need.
While very mild dehydration is something that can usually be remedied at home with fluids and rest away from the sun, anything more serious could warrant the need for immediate treatment in the emergency room. Currently, ER visits number 100 million every year and a trip to the hospital shouldn’t be taken lightly. But dehydration can become serious very quickly, so it’s important not to ignore the signs and seek out medical assistance right away.

Signs of mild to moderate dehydration include…

• Infrequent urination
• Urine that’s dark yellow in color
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling hot with skin that’s cool to the touch

Signs of severe dehydration include…

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Mental confusion
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Sunken eyes
• Dry skin and lost elasticity
• Inability to urinate, cry, or sweat
• Extreme thirst
• High fever
• Fainting, loss of consciousness
• Seizures

If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, you must seek immediate treatment in one of the emergency centers nearest you.

Treatment options for dehydration

As stated above, it’s vital to seek out emergency care if you observe the symptoms of severe hydration. These symptoms are too serious to wait for an appointment with your physician or even in some urgent care situations. However, mild to moderate dehydration can often be treated at your local walk-in clinic, particularly if you have already stopped all activity and have tried to replenish your body with fluids with no improvement. Many urgent care clinics can provide the assessment and subsequent treatment you require. You may want to call ahead to ensure your urgent care center can accommodate these needs, as not all clinics will be equipped with infusion IV pumps and other necessary equipment.

If the situation is life-threatening or you are ever in doubt, you should always head to the ER. Because Legacy ER provides both urgent care and emergency services under one roof, you can have the peace of mind that our staff can provide you with the help you need. To find out more about the services we provide, please contact us today.