View Full Version : Dehydration -Yes its that time of year again........
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 18:29
There are some things (I believe cant be said enough)** and having just spent the day at my eldest school sports day in a cloudy but hot day...........
The Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration usually begin with thirst and progress to more alarming manifestations as the need for water becomes more dire. The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body has lost about 2% of it's total fluid. These mild dehydration symptoms are often (but not limited to):
* Thirst
* Loss of Appetite
* Dry Skin
* Skin Flushing
* Dark Colored Urine
* Dry Mouth
* fatigue or Weakness
* Chills
* Head Rushes
If the dehydration is allowed to continue unabated, when the total fluid loss reaches 5% the following effects of dehydration are normally experienced:
* Increased heart rate
* Increased respiration
* Decreased sweating
* Decreased urination
* Increased body temperature
* Extreme fatigue
* Muscle cramps
* Headaches
* Nausea
* Tingling of the limbs
When the body reaches 10% fluid loss emergency help is needed IMMEDIATELY! 10% fluid loss and above is often fatal! Symptoms of severe dehydration include:
* Muscle spasms
* Vomiting
* Racing pulse
* Shriveled skin
* Dim vision
* Painful urination
* Confusion
* Difficulty breathing
* Seizures
* Chest and Abdominal pain
* unconsciousness
Be aware that these are not the only symptoms of severe dehydration that may manifest in response to dehydration, these are simply the most common. Symptoms of dehydration will differ from person to person because the body is a complex network of systems and everyone's body is different. When these systems are disturbed due to loss of fluids there will be several common symptoms shared by most bodies, but there may also be unusual or unexpected responses depending on the particular person in question. Age also plays a part in the manifestation of symptoms. Signs of dehydration in a child will not be the same as those experienced by a teenager, adult or in the elderly. Dehydration prevention is the best treatment for every age group. heatstroke is always around the corner.
** See Hypothermia
** Map and Compass work
** See Tell some one where your going before F'in off in to the mountains :)
Any weather is dehydration weather, you can dry out faster in the arctic than the Sahara. Sensible fluid intake at all times of the year are a must.
And illness in this weather makes it worse.
My son has been in hospital last week with a viral throat infection.........seriously that's what started it all, but despite assurances that he was drinking enough, he wasn't. His throat was so sore he was barely sipping.
He ended up with the fever, low blood pressure, waaaaay too rapid heartbeat, aches all over, and inability to urinate.
Major panic for a bit. He's fine now, but though they say I can't nag, I'm blooming well learning how to now :rolleyes:
We don't pay enough attention to dehydration in this country.
A very timely reminded.
cheers,
Toddy
Nice post and very useful info, certainly stuff I didnt know. Many thanks, Jon.
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 19:01
Any weather is dehydration weather, you can dry out faster in the arctic than the Sahara. Sensible fluid intake at all times of the year are a must.
Well said, and very true.
Have noticed a bit of new member activity so thought just flag this before people run off exerting them selfs in are odd UK weather.
May I ask what could be classed as a stoopid question?
Drinking water is the answer to keeping yourself hydrated, thats clear. But, can you have squash in it and still get the same effect?
Regards, Jon.
Yes. So long as it's digestible liquid, and not adding so much salt that the body struggles, it should be fine.
cheers,
Toddy
Yes is the simple answer, just put to much in, your dentist will thank you.
Thanks Toddy / Southey,
Thats good to know as my kids prefer water with a dash of Robinsons sugar free blackcurrant or lime, to be honest so do I!
Regards, Jon.
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 19:20
May I ask what could be classed as a stoopid question?
Drinking water is the answer to keeping yourself hydrated, thats clear. But, can you have squash in it and still get the same effect?
Regards, Jon.
Not stupid at all, IMHO yes if you drink its good, any "additives" you add just make water taste nice (excluding Rehydration Treatment lol) :)
Thanks Toddy / Southey,
Thats good to know as my kids prefer water with a dash of Robinsons sugar free blackcurrant or lime, to be honest so do I!
Regards, Jon.
I'm with you on that Jon, can't stand the taste of plain water so I hardly ever drink it. I have to add some cordial or little vitamin sachets just to make sure I get some inside me.
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 19:32
Thanks Toddy / Southey,
Thats good to know as my kids prefer water with a dash of Robinsons sugar free blackcurrant or lime, to be honest so do I!
Regards, Jon.
If I'm honest i give my kids Ice pop type things its a good way to get water in to them - just look at the ingredients first :)
Nothing goes better with water than a sachet of "SCREECH" :D
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 20:01
Nothing goes better with water than a sachet of "SCREECH" :D
Orange or Lime is goooood :)
Nothing goes better with water than a sachet of "SCREECH" :D
I've been stocking up on the stuff for a while now, I put a sachet to 3 litres of water though so it doesn't make my gums recede and make my teeth fall out.
Also remember the water content of food if you have children who not always want a big glass of fluid, things like yogurt, custard, fresh fruit like oranges and melon; even gravy are mostly water.
Sorry to hear about your lad Toddy, its easy done.
The scary thing was how fast it happened.
He went from being miserable to being really ill in the space of a couple of hours.
I asked, and got, a doctor's appointment almost as soon as I phoned. I expected him to come out of the surgery with a prescription for an antibiotic, instead he asked if I could take him to the hospital because otherwise they were going to call an ambulance.
Within the hour he was rigged up to drips and was on them overnight.
He's still under the weather but nothing like he was.
The scary things were how fast it happened, and that he wasn't even out the door, he was off work and resting in his room, reading, watching tv, on the computer, just doing that sort of stuff.
He's an adult, I don't interfere or nag, but I know to watch for it ever happening again.
cheers,
M
I really feel for you there Toddy, it is amazing ho fast you go down hill, it's heat stroke that worries me iit's another one that kind of creaps up on you, remember guys keep those hats on, and clothes loose.
Isn't there something about taking in enough salt with your water too. Blah, blah electrolytes and all that. Drink 3 litres of pure water in a day and most of it will go right through you...
over hydration is just as dangerous . its when you drink so fluid, you dilute the minerals . happens to marathon runners, long distance training, if only drinking water
Shambling Shaman
30-06-2010, 22:23
over hydration is just as dangerous . its when you drink so fluid, you dilute the minerals . happens to marathon runners, long distance training, if only drinking water
This some times happens to the military on the 4 day marches in Nijmegen - being told to "Drink" water every 5 min when its hot.
Its a good point to raise over hydration is bad too... watch for the signs compensate if nothing els.
Barn Owl
04-07-2010, 13:43
I managed to get my back sunburned and a touch of heatstroke a couple of weeks ago.
I very rarely don't have a shirt of some sort on in the sun but loaded the car at home for a barbie at L Doon without one.
Everyone was ready for the off so I remained shirtless,drove off and got on with the manly fire making and cooking there with a good breeze blowing.
It wasn't until we got home I realised I'd been burned,I had a shower and sat on the chair with the laptop.
My feet felt cold,so i thought a cuppa was in order.
I got out the chair and began shaking,not shivering but really shaking.
Got up to bed and needed the 'lecky blanket on and kept it on for some hours.
I've had this abroad once before but that was in temps of 40+ celsius.
I was actually more ill over here than there.
Very easy to get caught out.
Shambling Shaman
24-05-2012, 18:07
**Bump**
and Paste a good read for the new members who might be heading out soon.
and a refresher for the old sweats.....pun.
There are some things (I believe cant be said enough)** and having just spent the day at my eldest school sports day in a cloudy but hot day...........
The Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration usually begin with thirst and progress to more alarming manifestations as the need for water becomes more dire. The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration in adults appear when the body has lost about 2% of it's total fluid. These mild dehydration symptoms are often (but not limited to):
* Thirst
* Loss of Appetite
* Dry Skin
* Skin Flushing
* Dark Colored Urine
* Dry Mouth
* fatigue or Weakness
* Chills
* Head Rushes
If the dehydration is allowed to continue unabated, when the total fluid loss reaches 5% the following effects of dehydration are normally experienced:
* Increased heart rate
* Increased respiration
* Decreased sweating
* Decreased urination
* Increased body temperature
* Extreme fatigue
* Muscle cramps
* Headaches
* Nausea
* Tingling of the limbs
When the body reaches 10% fluid loss emergency help is needed IMMEDIATELY! 10% fluid loss and above is often fatal! Symptoms of severe dehydration include:
* Muscle spasms
* Vomiting
* Racing pulse
* Shriveled skin
* Dim vision
* Painful urination
* Confusion
* Difficulty breathing
* Seizures
* Chest and Abdominal pain
* unconsciousness
Be aware that these are not the only symptoms of severe dehydration that may manifest in response to dehydration, these are simply the most common. Symptoms of dehydration will differ from person to person because the body is a complex network of systems and everyone's body is different. When these systems are disturbed due to loss of fluids there will be several common symptoms shared by most bodies, but there may also be unusual or unexpected responses depending on the particular person in question. Age also plays a part in the manifestation of symptoms. Signs of dehydration in a child will not be the same as those experienced by a teenager, adult or in the elderly. Dehydration prevention is the best treatment for every age group. heatstroke is always around the corner.
** See Hypothermia
** Map and Compass work
** See Tell some one where your going before F'in off in to the mountains :)
If you feel thirsty its likely your already dehydrated.
I drank more than three times the usual amount of water at judo last night. My kit is usually pretty damp at the end of a session, but it was wringing wet at the end of that one.
It ain't arf 'ot, mum.
Look up myths and water on Google for the scare stories about dehydration. If the body tells you you are thirsty then it is obviously not too late, the body is truly wonderful at looking after itself and if it needs water it will tell you so. Check your pee if you want a gauge of your water needs. It is not unreasonable to be thirsty on a long walk and in a way can add to the experience. Sucking at a water bottle all the time is not necessary.
Barn Owl
24-05-2012, 21:45
I'm finished with cutting the grass,refuse to do it again on the grounds of looking after my health first, i've ended up burnt and feeling carp.
i'm staying indoors or in the shade of a wood only from now on.;)
Shambling Shaman
24-05-2012, 22:14
I'm finished with cutting the grass,refuse to do it again on the grounds of looking after my health first, i've ended up burnt and feeling carp.
i'm staying indoors or in the shade of a wood only from now on.;)
Oddly that could have been my post too :)
That what reminded me.
You can be fooled by thirst response. I once drank 9 litres of pure water because I was thirsty. that was dangerous as I really needed electrolytes. I Cld have washed out.
I have naturally low blood.pressure. I've blacked out before now after a long hot walk. It might have been down to low pressure and it being made worse due to low blood volume. A potential result of dehydration. It's kind of the reason the nat blood service make you drink water before giving blood.
Try half flat, full sugar coke with water or the same mix of fresh orange juice and water but with a pinch of salt. I've heard those two mics are just abt isotonic to get into system quicker. Think it's abt 5% solution.
oldtimer
25-05-2012, 15:57
A timely and important post. Thank you for the reminder Shambling Shaman. One time, I ended up at the 5% loss point despite carrying and drinking 4 litres of water together with a litre from the only trickle we could find on the mountain one long, hot day in the Pyrenees. It was very, very unpleasant. Another time ,my wife ended up in a French hospital after a long day in the Massif Central when she fainted in the shop where we'd gone to get water. And we are far from being novices- it can happen even to the well prepared.
Look up myths and water on Google for the scare stories about dehydration. If the body tells you you are thirsty then it is obviously not too late, the body is truly wonderful at looking after itself and if it needs water it will tell you so. Check your pee if you want a gauge of your water needs. It is not unreasonable to be thirsty on a long walk and in a way can add to the experience. Sucking at a water bottle all the time is not necessary.
Your pee is not a reliable way of checking yourself out, you could have a UTI, may not have drunk enought the day before, you may not realise how much you have been sweating etc. You'll get a dry mouth from heavy breathing, thats a different thing from being actually thirsty. Nobody said if you feel thirsty its too late, but its a good way of spotting the start.
Monitor your input is a very safe way of keeping juicy.
Scots_Charles_River
25-05-2012, 20:22
I have just got home form a two day canoe camp trip with a school group, we drank enough. Eating food helps too.
They listened about long sleeve shorts and swam/paddled a lot so no probs.
It was 25degs at 10pm ! on Loch Ard.
Graham_S
25-05-2012, 20:30
I'm very careful about hydration, it's not unknown for me to drink 5-6l of water in a 9hr shift during the summer.
of course the temperature can top 120f (in the shade) with 100% humidity.
If you are sweating heavily, and drinking a lot though you need to be mindful of electrolyte levels.
Try Nuun tablets.
a) they taste good
b) specially desined for electrolites etc
c) come in a great tube that I use for tinder when emptied!
I find that sipping water through the day is the best way to rehydrate. The body cannot handle drinking a lot of water all at once. Hyponatremia is a risk if you drink a lot of water all at once.
Graveworm
26-06-2012, 10:55
Your pee is not a reliable way of checking yourself out, you could have a UTI, may not have drunk enought the day before, you may not realise how much you have been sweating etc.
I am not sure what you mean, do you mean the volume or whats actually in the pee? If you meant the former then you could have a point but as for the latter it's a very reliable measurement of hydration. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bz_S8-XOmkWBbnJtR2c3akVpUzA
santaman2000
26-06-2012, 17:11
I am not sure what you mean, do you mean the volume or whats actually in the pee? If you meant the former then you could have a point but as for the latter it's a very reliable measurement of hydration. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bz_S8-XOmkWBbnJtR2c3akVpUzA
Urine color or specific gravity is affected by MANY factors. Neither is of any use to a diabetic when trying to determen hydration levels; nor is thirst as we are ALWAYS thirsty.
mark oriel
18-08-2012, 09:58
A good easy to reproduce isotonic is 50% orange juice and 50% water with a pinch of salt. The idea is that this mix of 50-50 is reasonably close to the consistancy of blood and with the salt mix is apparently far more easily absorbed by the interstitial tissue. It gets into the blood quicker than going through the digestive system and then the bladder and out. Salt is really sodium, whereas most of the substance we lose in sweat is potasium. so plenty of bannanas and potato skins. A cracker I was taught about general health and wellbeing regarding water is, The solution to polution is dilution.
... Salt is really sodium, whereas most of the substance we lose in sweat is potasium. ...
No, there is five to ten times as much sodium in sweat than there is potassium.
http://www.saltstick.com/products/sscaps/cpotassium.htm
http://www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/nutrition/salt.asp
http://www.hillrunner.com/jim2/id55.html
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09355.html
http://netwellness.org/question.cfm/1143.htm
Laurentius
23-08-2012, 22:03
Personally I think there are no absolutes to this, and that it depends upon the individual and physique.
Following the current scare mongering advice, I would end up carrying far more weight in water than I need to somewhat decreasing the object
Yes my urine does sometimes get somewhat dark, yes I do sweat like the proverbial pig, but I have survived these fifty odd years without dehydration nonetheless.
santaman2000
23-08-2012, 22:32
You can be fooled by thirst response. I once drank 9 litres of pure water because I was thirsty. that was dangerous as I really needed electrolytes. I Cld have washed out.
I have naturally low blood.pressure. I've blacked out before now after a long hot walk. It might have been down to low pressure and it being made worse due to low blood volume. A potential result of dehydration. It's kind of the reason the nat blood service make you drink water before giving blood.
Try half flat, full sugar coke with water or the same mix of fresh orange juice and water but with a pinch of salt. I've heard those two mics are just abt isotonic to get into system quicker. Think it's abt 5% solution.
Sounds more like low blood sugar than anything. Adding sugar to your drink will get that into your system faster by far and raise your blood sugar levels. BUT!!! it's actually NOT good for rehydration. Sugar would do the opposite for dehydration; the liquid will raise your hydration levels temporarily, but the sugar would then act as a diuretic.
Shambling Shaman
07-06-2013, 18:15
As the title says.
Lots of info for the new members :-)
Personally I think there are no absolutes to this, and that it depends upon the individual and physique.
Following the current scare mongering advice, I would end up carrying far more weight in water than I need to somewhat decreasing the object
Yes my urine does sometimes get somewhat dark, yes I do sweat like the proverbial pig, but I have survived these fifty odd years without dehydration nonetheless.
Timely comment worth repeating.
jinnipen
09-06-2013, 12:41
Here in Oz we can range from 35C+ and 99% humidity to 42C+ and 5% humidity. I rehydrate with a mix of lemon juice, about a tablespoon's worth, a teaspoon of *vegetable* salt -- good for potassium as well as sodium -- in a litre/quart of water. Drink whenever thirst first appears.
Personally I think there are no absolutes to this, and that it depends upon the individual and physique.
Following the current scare mongering advice, I would end up carrying far more weight in water than I need to somewhat decreasing the object
Yes my urine does sometimes get somewhat dark, yes I do sweat like the proverbial pig, but I have survived these fifty odd years without dehydration nonetheless.
By that same definition then smoking is neither dangerous or bad for your health as some ones uncle somewhere smoked for 50 years without any problems.
Your body your choice, but to label the so far excellent advice as scaremongering is both incorrect and irresponsible.
Every drop of fluid your body exudes NEEDS to be replaced, be that sweating, breathing or if you have a poorly tummy.
Yes you can SURVIVE with a lower fluid intake for short periods, but it will take a toll on both your performance, ability and in extreme cases your organs.
For some of your age your body is not as resistant or strong as it was when you were younger, you can't "get away" with things at 50+ years that you did when you were 20.
Personally i would recommend you do some reading and re-evaluate your opinion as you are wrong and at your age you need to take better care of yourself to help avoid future problems.
Some good reading here:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=risk-factors
Of particular interest:
Older adults.
As you age, you become more susceptible to dehydration for several reasons:
Your body's ability to conserve water is reduced, your thirst sense becomes less acute and you're less able to respond to changes in temperature.
What's more, older adults, especially people in nursing homes or living alone, tend to eat less than younger people do and sometimes may forget to eat or drink altogether. Disability or neglect also may prevent them from being well nourished. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes, by hormonal changes associated with menopause and by the use of certain medications.
I watched a documentary on the Six Day War and water played a massive part in the outcome. The Israeli troops were made to drink one litre of water per hour which kept them in top form and its estimated that dehydration did more harm to the opposition than Israeli bullets. I'll try and find a link to it as it explains it in more detail.
The Survivor
09-06-2013, 20:40
I find that when I am dehydrated, I imaging really large dragon flies! It is really great, they look so beautiful...