Signs of Mild Dehydration

• A dry mouth or thirst is a common sign of mild dehydration. You might also suffer from muscle cramps, a feeling of faintness or dizziness, a headache, dry skin and constipation.
  
  

Consult Your Doctor

• You may become dehydrated if you are vomiting for more than one day or suffer from diarrhea for more than two days, especially if you are unable to eat or drink during this time. Dehydration may also occur if you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from any of these conditions.
  
  

Emergency Care

• The following symptoms of dehydration are severe and warrant a trip the emergency room. These include confusion, pain in the chest or abdomen and extreme lethargy. Seizures are another symptom of severe dehydration and require immediate medical care. If you have not urinated twelve hours, or your urine is very dark in color, you may be severely dehydrated. If your eyes are dry or appear sunken and you do not sweat, go to the emergency room. Extreme thirst, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit and unconsciousness are all symptoms indicating severe dehydration and require emergency care.
  
  

Causes of Dehydration

• Dehydration may be caused by a number of things. Vomiting or diarrhea causes the body to lose fluids quickly, and may prevent individuals from re-hydrating. Other causes include hot weather, excessive exercise or avoiding fluids and foods.