Feeling dehydrated after a night of drinking or after vigorous exercise is common. Still, it becomes an issue when it continues. Chronic dehydration happens when the body isn't getting enough fluids over an extended period.
Healthy adults aren't usually at risk for chronic dehydration. However, older adults, children, and people with some medical issues may develop chronic dehydration, which often leads to complications.
If you're feeling the effects of dehydration, the Regenerative Medical Group team offers IV infusion therapy and lifestyle tips to rehydrate the body.
Dr. Bryn J. Henderson and Dr. John S. Farag are two experienced primary care specialists who help people get back on track through hydration and health evaluations.
Chronic dehydration is when the body doesn't get the fluids it needs to function for an extended period. It's a common problem in older adults and young children.
Your body constantly loses hydration through sweat and urination. You need to replace these fluids by drinking water and other hydrating beverages to stay hydrated. If you don't, your body will become dehydrated.
Chronic dehydration occurs for many reasons, including chronic diarrhea from stomach issues or working out in the sun daily. Children are at risk for chronic dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or simply not drinking enough throughout the day.
Chronic dehydration can lead to complications without proper care. These complications may include decreased kidney function, urinary tract infections, and low cognitive function in adults.
Many people are unaware they are chronically dehydrated, so knowing the signs is essential. The first sign that the body is dehydrated is feeling thirsty. This is your brain telling you to drink something to replace lost fluids.
There are other symptoms that we want you to know about chronic dehydration, and they include the following:
The body requires fluids to function properly. When it becomes dehydrated, energy production slows due to slower nutrition circulation. The result is fatigue that doesn't improve with rest.
One way to tell if you're dehydrated is through your lips. Lips require hydration to stay soft, smooth, and supple. If your lips are constantly dry and cracking, you may be dehydrated.
Dehydration often causes the mouth to feel extremely dry or sticky due to decreased saliva production. When you don't replace the water you lose, every body function slows, including saliva production, resulting in a parched mouth.
The brain also requires constant hydration. Chronic dehydration causes headaches because it leads to brain shrinkage and nerve pressure. The result is headaches that don't let up even with pain medication.
Another key sign of chronic dehydration is decreased urination or concentrated and strong-smelling urine. Without proper fluid, the body doesn't circulate as much waste through the kidneys, reducing bathroom trips or extremely dark yellow pee.
The good news is that most healthy people can correct chronic dehydration by drinking more water throughout the day. A healthy adult should get about eight glasses of water daily – but that's not always enough. Other ways to stay hydrated include:
These tips help most people but may not be right for everyone. Older adults and people with certain health conditions may require additional therapy.
We offer IV infusion therapy to rehydrate the body. We can add nutrients, electrolytes, and vitamins to restore hydration and alleviate chronic dehydration symptoms.
Call the Regenerative Medical Group today to make an appointment with our team for IV infusion therapy or request a consultation on our website.
