Current:Home > MyFeeling dizzy? It could be dehydration. Here's what to know. -Edge Finance Strategies
Feeling dizzy? It could be dehydration. Here's what to know.
View
Date:2025-04-18 12:00:49
No matter the temperature outside, it is always important to stay hydrated. Drinking water does not only cool you down, but it also has many other health benefits, such as regulating bowel movements, boosting athletic performance and protecting your body's vital tissues and organs.
During our day-to-day, it's easy to get lost in all the tasks and work we have to accomplish. Throughout our busy schedules, we sometimes forget to perform basic tasks, such as drinking enough water. But if you are not hydrating properly, you could become dehydrated.
Dehydration can cause a list of symptoms, so it's key to stay vigilant to each. Here's what to know:
What causes dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have the sufficient amount of fluids (primarily water) it needs to function. When you are dehydrated, you are losing or using more fluids than you are taking in.
The human body loses fluids in many ways, such as sweating, breathing, urination and defecation, as well as through tears and saliva. You become dehydrated when you are not actively and adequately replacing the lost fluids.
Other than not drinking enough liquids, dehydration can be caused by other health conditions, such as diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
Anyone can become dehydrated but those at higher risk are infants, children and older people. Infants cannot and children often do not communicate when they are thirsty, making them more prone to dehydration. The same goes for older people, especially those who have cognitive issues.
Dehydration can also be worsened by pre-existing conditions that lead to loss of fluids, such as diabetes causing frequent urination.
Can dehydration cause dizziness?
Yes, dehydration can cause dizziness. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you are dizzy, you may experience:
- Vertigo (a false sense of spinning, motion)
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of balance
- Wooziness or heavy-headedness
These symptoms can worsen if you move or stand. Dizziness can also lead to nausea. When you are dizzy, you may feel the need to sit or lie down based on the severity symptoms.
People who are dehydrated often experience lower blood pressure or blood volume, which leads to dizziness. In these cases, your blood is not flowing properly and may not be reaching your brain the way it should.
Can dehydration cause fever?What to know about dehydration and symptoms to watch for
Dehydration symptoms
Dehydration symptoms vary depending on someone's age, according to the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.
In adults, dehydration symptoms can include:
- Extreme thirst
- Less frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Red (flushed) skin
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion, headache
In infants or children, dehydration symptoms can include:
- Dry tongue, mouth and lips
- No tears when crying
- Sunken eyes, cheeks
- Sunken soft spot on top of infant's head
- Irritability
- Less frequent urination
- Dry skin
If you or someone experiences any of the symptoms for a prolonged period, seek medical attention.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Can dehydration cause fever?" to "What is a heat wave?" to "What is heatstroke?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
veryGood! (74)
Related
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Controversy follows Gov. Kristi Noem as she is banned by two more South Dakota tribes
- Denver Nuggets change complexion of series with Game 3 demolition of Minnesota Timberwolves
- Bruins, Panthers debate legality of Sam Bennett hit on Boston star Brad Marchand
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Israel moves deeper into Rafah and fights Hamas militants regrouping in northern Gaza
- Can Nelly Korda get record sixth straight win? She's in striking distance entering weekend
- Family of bears take a swim, cool off in pool of Southern California home: Watch video
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Andrew Nembhard's deep 3-pointer lifts Pacers to dramatic Game 3 win over Knicks
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Alaska governor issues disaster declaration for areas affected by flooding from breakup of river ice
- Tyler Gaffalione, Sierra Leone jockey, fined $2,500 for ride in Kentucky Derby
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Kneecaps
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Guinness World Records tracks about 65,000 superlatives. Here's why some are so bizarre.
- Mega Millions winning numbers for May 10 drawing: Jackpot rises to $331 million
- Police arrest 3 suspects in rural California shooting that killed 4 and wounded 7
Recommendation
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Are cicadas dangerous? What makes this double brood so special? We asked an expert.
Caitlin Clark, much like Larry Bird, the focus of talks about race and double standards in sports
Time is running out for you to get a free dozen doughnuts from Krispy Kreme: How to get the deal
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Michael Cohen: A challenging star witness in Donald Trump’s hush money trial
Chad Michael Murray Shares Daughter’s Reaction to Watching A Cinderella Story
Lionel Messi avoids leg injury, Inter Miami storms back to win 3-2 vs. CF Montreal