Symptoms of Dehydration

Your fluid goal immediately following surgery and forever beyond is 48-64oz/d.

Any sugar free, noncarbonated beverage can be used to achieve your fluid goal. Examples:

• Water
• Crystal Lite
• PowerAde Zero
• G2
• Sugar free Kool-Aid
• Water with added sugar free flavoring packets

Signs and symptoms of dehydration range from minor to severe and include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth and swollen tongue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)
• Confusion
• Sluggishness
• Fainting
• Inability to sweat
• Decreased urine output

Severe dehydration can result in death.

Unfortunately, thirst isn’t always a reliable gauge of the body’s need for water. A better indicator is the color of your urine:

• Clear or light-colored urine means you’re well hydrated
• Dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration

Get immediate medical care if you develop severe signs and symptoms such as extreme thirst, a lack of urination, shriveled skin, dizziness and confusion.

Resources include: www.webmd.com, www.mayoclinic.org