Summer’s here!
Summer means different things to different people. For some, it comes with a sense of glee and for some a sea of dread. For some, it might mean summer vacations, ice creams and fun with friends. But for others, it might mean uncontrollable sweating, unbearable morning commutes and days that end with utterly devastating exhaustion!
But it doesn’t matter what category you belong to, the effects of summer heat are felt by all. Summer in India is the hottest season of the year, with the hottest months being March to May. Heat affects the entire body, including the skin, eyes, and digestive system. Heat rashes, heat strokes, sunburns, and dehydration are some of the many health issues brought on by the blistering heat and unrelenting dryness.
In this blog, we’ll be focusing on how to avoid dehydration in summer as it is the most typical summer illness faced by many.
But first, let’s check to see if you’re currently hydrated and healthy ?
Symptoms of Dehydration in Summer
The most prevalent signs and symptoms of dehydration are:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
- Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
- Light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Dizziness and confusion
- Urine turning dark
- Flaking of skin
If you notice more than one of these symptoms, make an appointment with your health care physician right away. Severe dehydration can harm your kidneys, heart, and brain, so keep an eye out for the warning signs and symptoms.
Causes of Dehydration in the Summer
Summer heat is the most common cause of this condition, although it is not the only one. A mismatch in the amount of water in the body can occur for a variety of reasons.
Diarrhoea and vomiting: Severe, acute diarrhoea, and/or vomiting can result in a massive loss of water and electrolytes in a short period of time. You lose much more fluids and minerals if you have both vomiting and diarrhoea.
Sweating: Extreme physical activity in hot weather causes the body to create more sweat to keep cool, but it can also lead to dehydration if water is not replaced at the same time.
Fever: The higher your fever, the more likely you are to become dehydrated. If you have a fever along with diarrhoea and vomiting, the situation becomes worse.
Medications: Fluid loss may be accelerated if you take certain medications, such as diuretics for high blood pressure.
How to Prevent Dehydration in Summer
Preventing dehydration is quite simple. You can stay healthy, hydrated, and have a lot of fun this summer by making small changes to your everyday routine. Some tips for keeping yourself hydrated includes ?
- Carry around a water bottle: Don’t wait to drink water until you’re thirsty. Make sure you’re sipping water throughout the day.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables: Watermelons, pineapples, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. are fruits and vegetables with high water content.
- Consume caffeine in moderation: Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning that it will cause increased passing of urine.
- Avoid aerated drinks: Aerated drinks have high sugar content, which is unhealthy for your skin. Your skin is already being exposed to the summer sun, and these drinks will only exacerbate their negative effects.
- Stay indoors between 10 am-2 pm: These hours are when the rays of the sun are the strongest. Plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the evenings.
And lastly, be aware of any signs of dehydration. If you or anyone in your family or workplace becomes ill, observe for indications of dehydration and keep hydrated. Dehydration is more common in children and the elderly, so keep an eye on them and make sure they’re taking all the necessary precautions
Mild dehydration can be treated at home by drinking fluids and electrolytes. Serious dehydration, on the other hand, should be addressed as a medical emergency, requiring hospitalisation and intravenous fluids.
A preventive health checkup is also recommended if you suffer from dehydration on a regular basis. Get a health check-up atAyu Health this summer to get to know the overall status of your body. Book an appointment now or call us at +91 08069489584 for a consultation.
If you need additional resources or would like to speak with a professional, feel free to contact us right away at +91 636-610-0800 or book an appointment on our website. Our expert team is here to assist and support you every step of the way.
Read more: Dehydration Can Happen to Anyone, Here’s How to Prevent It
Our Hospital Locations
General Surgery Hospitals in Chandigarh | General Surgery Hospitals in Bangalore | General Surgery Hospitals in Jaipur | General Surgery Hospitals in NCR | General Surgery Hospitals in Hyderabad
Our Doctors
General Surgery Doctors in Chandigarh | General Surgery Doctors in Bangalore | General Surgery Doctors in Jaipur | General Surgery Doctors in NCR | General Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad
About the Author
Dr. S. Goel
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.