Nearly 75% of American adults are classified as chronically dehydrated.
While older adults are the most common age group affected by dehydration, it can affect anyone at any age, especially those who participate in sports or moderate-to-intense exercise regularly or those who spend a lot of time in the heat.
When most people think of dehydration, the most common symptom that comes to mind is thirst. Still, other symptoms, depending on the severity of your condition, can come into play and affect your overall health and well-being, especially if left untreated.
Aside from thirst and headache, one of the most common symptoms in severely dehydrated patients is dizziness.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be dehydrated and are experiencing new or worsening bouts of dizziness, you should visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care for further diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Let’s discuss dehydration in further detail, including the answer to “can dehydration cause dizziness or vertigo?”
First, What Is dehydration?
Dehydration is a health condition that occurs when your body experiences a serious fluid imbalance.
Lack of fluids stops your body from effectively carrying out normal bodily functions like digestion, blood transmission, and kidney function.
If fluids are not replenished quickly, you may experience moderate to severe symptoms that can become detrimental to your overall health, including dizziness.
Common Dehydration Causes
While the most common cause of dehydration is lack of fluid consumption, specifically water, other reasons include
- Excessive sweating
- Medicine side effects
- Severe diarrhea
- Excessive vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Fever
Can Dehydration Cause Dizziness?
Yes, dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration.
Without enough fluids, the blood volume in your body decreases, lowering your blood pressure and keeping your brain from getting enough blood. This can result in dizziness or vertigo.
While for some, fluid replenishment in the form of a glass of water or two may be enough to subside dizziness, others may require intravenous fluids to alleviate dehydration and its associated symptoms, including dizziness.
If you haven’t eaten or drunk in hours or days due to sickness or otherwise and are feeling dizzy, you should immediately seek medical treatment for severe dehydration.
Other Dehydration Symptoms
Outside of dizziness, common dehydration symptoms include
- Dry mouth
- Extreme thirst
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
In addition to these symptoms, those who are severely dehydrated may also experience
- Low blood pressure
- Sunken eyes
- Reduced perspiration
- Dry, shriveled skin
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
Effective Dehydration Treatment
Most cases of dehydration can be treated at home without medical intervention, even if you’re experiencing mild vertigo.
The best way to combat a bout of dehydration is through rehydration. Aim to drink water or sports drinks to replenish electrolytes and lost fluid until you start feeling better.
Other effective at-home methods to treat dehydration and dizziness include
- Rest, especially lying down flat in a dark room
- A cold compress to the forehead
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and excessive salt intake
If your dizziness does not go away within a few hours or becomes more severe, seek medical care immediately.
Prompt Dehydration and Dizziness Treatment in Thibodaux
If you or a loved one are experiencing dizziness or other severe symptoms of dehydration, you should visit Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
While rehydrating is often enough for mild cases of dehydration, a more thorough examination may be required to identify the cause of your symptoms and provide the amplest treatment to combat your dizziness.
Urgent or emergency care is essential for those experiencing severe dehydration symptoms who
- Can’t keep fluids down
- Have had diarrhea for 24 hours or longer
- Are irritable or disoriented
- Are exhausted
- Have bloody or black stool
We are open seven days a week with no appointments required. Walk in now to get treated for dehydration and dizziness.