Page 31 - Seniors Today - August 21 Issue
P. 31
stand after lying down (low blood pressure of dehydration, most commonly seen in
or orthostatic hypotension) children.
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness 9. Mood changes
Advanced dehydration does not allow the Severe dehydration can trigger mood
person to stand or walk normally, probably changes, ranging from anxiety to confusion
due to low blood pressure. to delirium. Cognition is impaired, higher
levels of irritability can be seen.
10. Shock and Seizures
The loss of electrolytes, along with fluid,
can cause the person to go into shock. This
and the low BP can also trigger seizures.
11. Unconsciousness
Dehydration, especially due to heat
exposure, can cause a person to become
delirious and lose consciousness.
4. Fainting Specific symptoms in children
Fainting occurs due to fall in blood A sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of
pressure and blood volume, especially on the head).
sudden movement. Sunken cheeks and/or eyes
5. Rapid heart rate and respiratory rate Dryness of mouth and the tongue.
Fluid loss leads to low blood volume, Increased irritability.
making the heart work harder to pump No tears when crying
blood to all parts of the body. You may No diaper wetting for 3 or more hours
experience palpitations. The low blood (reduced or no urination).
volume also results in less oxygen reaching
the lungs, causing an elevated respiratory Testing for dehydration
rate. Pinch the skin of your forearm or abdomen
6. Fever for a second and let go. If it doesn’t resume
Dehydration, caused by exposure to heat, its normal shape less than 3 seconds, you
can show symptoms like fever, which in could be dehydrated.
turn increases the dehydration further,
as the body tries to cool off, causing
perspiration. Fever above 102F should not
be ignored.
7. Shrunken skin with reduced elasticity
(skin slowly sinks back to its normal
position when pinched)
Dehydrated skin feels dull and tight, and
loses its elasticity. You could observe more
wrinkles around your mouth and eyes.
8. Sunken eyes
Hollows under the eyes, dark circles,
fragile skin under the eyes, are all signs
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #26 | AUGUST 2021 31
