Dehydration

Heat causes us to lose a great deal of water and mineral salts, through sweating.

If these losses are not properly compensated, we risk becoming dehydrated.

The elderly, infants and people with some chronic diseases are more vulnerable to dehydration. Effective prevention is therefore the best approach for these more vulnerable groups: stay cool, use a fan and keep well hydrated.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dehydration can sometimes be difficult to identify. The first signs of dehydration are thirst, dry lips, loss of skin tone, unusual tiredness and weakness. The signs of advanced dehydration are: weight loss; intense thirst; a dull look with sunken eyes; skin that forms folds and loses its elasticity; the skin becomes dry, cold and pale; fever sets in because the body temperature can no longer be lowered; urine is low in quantity and highly concentrated, or sometimes absent; headaches; disorientation and confusion; dizziness and consciousness disorders.

In elderly people:
The sensation of thirst is often delayed, there is weight loss, fatigue and unusual drowsiness, and the fever is mild. Elderly people often present with confusion or a worsening of behavioural problems, aggression, memory loss etc.

In infants:
Nappies will be dry, the baby will sleep a lot and more than usual, be difficult to wake up, behaviour is unusual, pale complexion, dark circles around the eyes, breathing quickly, the fontanelle might be sunken (late sign).

First aid

• Watch out for the early warning signs and take action before dehydration sets in.
• Move the patient to a cool and well ventilated area.
• Give them something to drink on a regular basis.
• Apply damp towels to their head, neck and legs.

If the dehydration is advanced (unconsciousness, loss of consciousness, very high fever, etc.): Call 112 and do not try to make the patient drink.

Advice on avoiding dehydration

• Never leave your baby, a vulnerable person or an animal in a car in the sun, even for a few minutes.
• Do not tightly cover the pram, baby seat or pushchair (air must be able to circulate).
• Never leave your baby, a vulnerable person or an animal in direct sunlight.
• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day.
• Spend several hours per day in cool areas or in the shade: close doors, windows and shutters during the day.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.
• Cool off with water activities or by taking short showers or partial baths.
• Pay daily visits to elderly people you know who live alone. Make sure they have plenty of mineral water and that they are drinking enough of it.