There’s a reason that Florida is referred to as the Sunshine State.  Almost every day, the sun is out and the heat is on! While everyone wants to have fun in the Florida sun, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated.  The body contains roughly 50 to 60% of fluid, and it is necessary to maintain fluid levels within the safe limits to avoid dehydration.

Here at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we’re committed to helping you beat the heat by educating you on what dehydration is, and providing you with tips to stay hydrated.  With our 19 locations across the Tampa Bay area, our team is here to help you should you experience dehydration.

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration is the significant loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body. With dehydration, the loss is much more than the fluid intake, making the body unable to perform its basic activities. You lose fluid through the urine, sweat, saliva, and stool; however, there are specific mechanisms the body uses to regulate fluid efficiency, including fluid conservation by the kidney to maintain a stable state.  Dehydration can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe based on the volume of fluid lost.

Mild dehydration occurs when you lose 3 to 5 percent of your body weight due to fluid loss. There is increased thirst, decreased urination, dry mouth and skin. Mild dehydration can be solved with home remedies such as drinking water, electrolyte drinks, or Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS).

The symptoms of moderate dehydration are similar to mild dehydration but more intense. Fluid loss causes about a 6 to 10 percent body weight loss. You will need to go to an urgent care or emergency room to receive fluids through an IV.

Severe dehydration is life-threatening, with up to 10 percent of body weight loss through fluid loss. Immediate medical attention is needed with rapid intravenous infusion of fluids. Some of the symptoms of severe dehydration include dizziness, sunken eyes, increased heart rate and breathing, and, in some cases, loss of consciousness. If dehydration is left untreated, many complications can arise such as seizures, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and may lead to death.

Causes Of Dehydration

Numerous causes of dehydration exist. In children, the major causes are vomiting and diarrhea. In those who are 65 and up, dehydration is due to reduced fluid volume, illnesses, and certain medications.

In Florida, anyone is at risk of dehydration, especially during the hot summer months. The risk increases with the following:

• Staying outdoors for long periods of time
• Strenuous exercise
• Fever
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Use of medications like diuretics
• Excess sweating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

While there are many ways that you could become dehydrated, these are the most common.  If you have any questions or concerns, our team at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track is ready to provide you with answers and help guide you on your wellness journey.

Symptoms Of Dehydration

Dehydration doesn’t always present the same way in all cases; it is of varying degrees and can present differently in everyone. Your symptoms will determine the severity of your dehydration.

In mild to moderate cases, the symptoms most often are:

• Lethargy
• Dry lips, mouth, and skin
• Increased thirst
• Decreased urination
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation
• Headache

In severe cases, which are of utmost medical attention, the individual would experience:

• Excessive thirst
• Increased heart rate and breathing
• Lack of sweat production
• Dark urine or lack of urine
• Wrinkled skin
• Low blood pressure

If you experience any of the above symptoms, visit the nearest emergency room immediately. Alternatively, you can contact TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track where our team will help you determine if urgent care or the emergency room is the best option for you.

Complications Of Dehydration

Dehydration can cause severe complications if not addressed urgently. When the body loses fluids, the kidney conserves fluid to ensure other organs are not compromised. Once the kidneys can no longer conserve fluids, complications of dehydration arise.

Severe complications associated with dehydration include, but are not limited to:

• Shock
• Heat stroke
• Seizures
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Brain swelling
• Coma
• Death

Pregnant women who face dehydration can have severe injuries to the fetus. There can be reduced amniotic fluid, which is dangerous to the fetus. There could also be premature labor and, in some cases, lack of breast milk.

If you or someone you love are experiencing any symptoms of moderate or severe dehydration, seek medical attention immediately.

How Can I Avoid Dehydration?

While dehydration is a serious condition, you can still enjoy the outdoors and beat the Florida heat.  Whether you are working, exercising, or having fun in the sun, here are some tips to stay hydrated at all times.

• Always carry a portable water bottle with you. Thermal coolers are also a good option for keeping cold, refreshing drinks all day.
• Before eating, drink water.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Instead, drink water.
• Drink water before exercising or engaging in outdoor activities. Rehydrate at intervals during the workout. After the exercise, drink water and eat water-rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon, or celery.
• Dress lightly when going out, and avoid direct heat if possible. Avoid the peak afternoon sun hours and stay in areas with adequate shade.
• If you feel the water is too bland, add a slice of lime or lemon to provide flavor.
• You can also set reminders to ensure you take water at intervals.
• Take more fruit and vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes. You should also add more broth soups to your diet.
• Encourage your loved ones to drink more water by engaging in “drink-water” challenges. It can be a fun and family-bonding activity.

If you are vomiting or having diarrhea, ensure you are constantly hydrating yourself. If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, please visit the nearest emergency center or contact TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track for urgent medical care.

To avoid dehydration, it is best to stay within the recommended limit of 11.5 cups of fluid per day for women and 15.5 cups per day for men.  This recommendation is a combination of fluid from water, other beverages, and food.

Treatments For Dehydration

It is better to avoid dehydration than to treat it, but you can simply rehydrate with water, clear broths, and electrolyte fluids, such as Oral Rehydration Solutions. If you are feeling dehydrated, you should avoid caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol, as it could worsen your condition.

In severe cases, you need to go to the emergency room immediately. The affected individual would need to be rehydrated with an intravenous infusion of electrolyte fluids and treated for any underlying illness or complications that may arise.  You can avoid a trip to the emergency room by keeping track of your hydration throughout the day.  If you have any questions about how to stay hydrated or if you could be experiencing dehydration, please reach out to our team at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track.

Take Home Message

Dehydration can be life-threatening and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can be caused by numerous conditions, from inadequate fluid intake to excessive fluid loss from illness. It is essential to constantly rehydrate yourself when experiencing the Florida heat and sun for long hours, especially during strenuous activity. Even if you’re inactive, taking at least 12 cups of fluid daily is recommended.  Hydration is key to keeping you and your family safe in the Florida heat.

If you experience any symptoms discussed above, you can contact TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track for immediate medical attention. Rest assured that our qualified healthcare professionals are ready to help you when you need it most at our 19 locations across the greater Tampa Bay area in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.  Our doors are open every day from 8 am to 8 pm, and assistance is available on a first come, first served basis.  To streamline your visit and reduce your wait time, please use our On My Way system.

To learn more about TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, click here.

 

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