August 8, 2022
Drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat illness, and water is generally sufficient for hydration. Dehydration, a primary contributor to heat exhaustion, occurs when people lose more fluid from the body than they take in. When this happens, the body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Dehydration can cause changes in electrolytes, which affect many systems and organs of the body, including the heart, brain and kidneys. Some mild symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, confusion, fatigue and headache. Severe symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing and fainting. People should drink before they feel thirsty and should stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks, as these can cause the loss of more body fluid.
(Source: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
