SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
June 27, 2016
By Olivene Godfrey
I recently read that dehydration is a hidden risk to the elderly. I don't think I had heard that before. Tam said she guessed she had heard it most of her life. She has been urging me to drink more water. It is often due partly to inadequate water intake but can happen for many other reasons.
The article went on to say elders may not feel thirst as keenly. Scientists warn that the ability to be aware of and respond to thirst is slowly blunted as we age. This increases the chances of them consuming less water and consequently suffering dehydration.
Everyone knows, but many people seem to forget, that water is what sustains life. Those caring for elderly persons should watch for these signs of dehydration.
Mild dehydration: Dryness of mouth, dry tongue with thick saliva. Unable to urinate or pass small amounts of dark yellow urine. Cramping limbs. Headaches. Crying with few or no tears. Weakness, general feeling of being unwell. Sleepiness or irritability.
More serious dehydration: Low blood pressure. Convulsions. Severe cramping and muscle contractions in limbs, back and stomach. Bloated stomach. Rapid but weak pulse. Dry and sunken eyes with few or no tears. Wrinkled skin, no elasticity. Breathing faster than normal.
Serious dehydration requires medical attention. If you see any of these signs, or suspect, call the doctor.
See you next time. Comments welcome. (Typed and edited by Tam.)
By Olivene Godfrey
I recently read that dehydration is a hidden risk to the elderly. I don't think I had heard that before. Tam said she guessed she had heard it most of her life. She has been urging me to drink more water. It is often due partly to inadequate water intake but can happen for many other reasons.
The article went on to say elders may not feel thirst as keenly. Scientists warn that the ability to be aware of and respond to thirst is slowly blunted as we age. This increases the chances of them consuming less water and consequently suffering dehydration.
Everyone knows, but many people seem to forget, that water is what sustains life. Those caring for elderly persons should watch for these signs of dehydration.
Mild dehydration: Dryness of mouth, dry tongue with thick saliva. Unable to urinate or pass small amounts of dark yellow urine. Cramping limbs. Headaches. Crying with few or no tears. Weakness, general feeling of being unwell. Sleepiness or irritability.
More serious dehydration: Low blood pressure. Convulsions. Severe cramping and muscle contractions in limbs, back and stomach. Bloated stomach. Rapid but weak pulse. Dry and sunken eyes with few or no tears. Wrinkled skin, no elasticity. Breathing faster than normal.
Serious dehydration requires medical attention. If you see any of these signs, or suspect, call the doctor.
See you next time. Comments welcome. (Typed and edited by Tam.)
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