Temperatures along the Wasatch Front and throughout the state of Utah have been scorching hot.
These hot temperatures aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Temperatures are expected to be in the ninety degree range throughout the Labor Day Weekend.
With hotter temperatures it is easier to get dehydrated.
The main reason dehydration occurs is the lack of water intake into your body. Here are some of the early signs of dehydration according to Medical News Today: thirst, darker urine, and decreased urine production. As dehydration continues more sever symptoms like: dry mouth, lethargy, weakness in muscles, headache, and dizziness. The more severe symptoms include: lack of sweating, sunken eyes, shriveled and dry skin, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, delirium, unconsciousness.
For children, dehydration symptoms include, in babies – a sunken fontanel (soft spot on the top of the head), dry tongue and mouth, irritable, no tears when crying, sunken cheeks and/or eyes
no wet diaper for 3 or more hours.
According to Medical News Today:
Sometimes, it is not possible to consume enough fluids because we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without potable water (while hiking or camping, for example).
Additional causes of dehydration include:
Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration.
Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.
Sweating – the body’s cooling mechanism releases a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further increase fluid loss from sweating. Similarly, a fever can cause an increase in sweating and may dehydrate the patient, especially if there is also diarrhea and vomiting.
Diabetes – high blood sugar levels cause increased urination and fluid loss. Tips for handling summer heat for people with diabetes.
Frequent urination – usually caused by uncontrolled diabetes, but also can be due to alcohol and medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antipsychotics.
Burns – blood vessels can become damaged, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
Remember the 8×8 rule, drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Hooray for Summer!
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