Definition- Loss of water and essential body salts due to excessive sweating during exercise, particularly in hot, humid weather.

Signs & Symptoms-

• Dry mouth
• Decreased or absent urination
• Sunken eyes
• Wrinkled skin
• Confusion
• Low blood pressure
• Coma

• Heavy sweating
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea from any cause
• Use of drugs that deplete fluids and electrolytes, such as diuretics.
• Overexposure to sun or heat
• Age over 60
• Recent illness with high fever
• Chronic kidney disease.

Possible Complications- Blood pressure drop, shock and death from prolonged, severe dehydration.

Treatments-

• Weigh at the same time each day on an accurate home scale and record weight so you can be aware of fluid loss.
• Take frequent small amounts of clear liquids. Large amounts may trigger vomiting.
• Rest in bed until you recover.