Dehydration
Photo: Doc James, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Your body may become dehydrated (low on water) for any of a number of reasons. The most common are diarrhea, sweating for various reasons – hot weather, fever, or strenuous activity such as a marathon race – and water evaporating more quickly at lower air pressure, which is a factor in altitude sickness. The physiology of hangovers is complex, but dehydration is one factor. All of the conditions mentioned can also involve problems other than dehydration; see the linked articles for details.
Dehydration is always uncomfortable and bad for your health; in extreme cases it can kill.
RecognizeFeelings of thirst are an important early symptom of dehydration, and headache is also common.
DrinkTo maintain hydration, drink enough water or oral rehydration solution. If you have any symptoms of dehydration, drink as much as you can without serious discomfort until the symptoms resolve.
EquipmentSeveral types of equipment can be used in preventing or treating dehydration:
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Dehydration" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Doc James, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons