Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the level of water or fluids in the body decreases. People of all age groups can suffer from dehydration. It can be a condition in itself or a symptom of some other disorder. Dehydration can be of two types: minor and severe. It is essential to identify the symptoms of minor dehydration immediately, to prevent it from becoming life threatening. Dehydration can be caused due to a variety of reasons like excess exercise, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, excessive perspiration, etc. It is also a symptom of fever, diabetes, kidney disease, gastroenteritis, hyperthermia, etc. One should note that dehydration, in severe cases, can be life threatening and hence, it is essential to identify and treat it immediately. Before knowing more on dehydration side effects, let us take a look at the identifying signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Dehydration Symptoms
The following are the symptoms of minor as well as severe dehydration observed in adults and children.

* Muscle weakness
* Dizziness
* Sleepiness
* Decreased urination
* Increased thirst
* Dry mouth
* Dry skin

The following are the other symptoms and side effects of extreme dehydration observed in children and adults.

* Excessive thirst
* Low blood pressure
* Sunken eyes
* Fever
* Increased heart rate
* Unconsciousness

Dehydration Side Effects
In case, there is deficiency of water in the body, the fluids already present in the body are taken up, which results in severe side effects. In case of dehydration, in the primary stage, the cellular fluid is taken up; then the extracellular fluid and finally water is extracted from the bloodstream, which leads to an emergency condition. If this persists for a longer period of time, all the functions in the body that require water are slowed down. If the person suffers from dehydration regularly, his body tries to store up water which results in water retention (edema). Chronic dehydration, i.e., dehydration continued for a longer period of time leads to severe side effects. The following are the long term side effects of dehydration in the elderly and children.

* Heartburn
* Arthritis
* Migraine
* Colitis
* High blood pressure
* Diabetes
* Depression
* Loss of libido
* Muscular dystrophy

Apart from the above mentioned ones, muscle spasms and dryness of skin are some other side effects of dehydration. Due to chronic dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity and does not regain its original shape when pulled. This is one of the classical dehydration side effects and symptoms. On the other hand, the person is simply unable to generate tears after crying due to lack of adequate amounts of water in the body. Severe headache is also another side effect of long term dehydration. Therefore, people who suffer headache with no known cause, should check if they are dehydrated.

Dehydration Treatment
As there are several dehydration side effects, it is better to identify the condition and get it treated immediately. In minor cases, dehydration can be treated by drinking water or a juice immediately. In severe cases, electrolyte fluid may be given to the person orally or through intravenous (IV) fluids. If one observes any symptoms of severe dehydration, it is advisable to seek immediate emergency treatment. As mentioned above, one should note that severe dehydration can be a life threatening condition and hence, it is advisable to identify the symptoms and get it treated immediately.

This was brief information on dehydration side effects. One should remember that this life threatening condition can be prevented simply by drinking adequate amounts of water (8-10 glasses) everyday. In summer season or while exercising, one should be careful and drink water frequently to prevent dehydration.