This Friday, May 30, summer heat moved to several regions of metropolitan France. In the southwest in particular, the thermometer will climb at levels worthy of full summer. Vigilance is essential because high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration. To avoid complications, some signals sent by your body deserve your full attention.
Signs of severe dehydration
Everything can start with a simple discomfort, recalls Dr. Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical. The dry throat, a tiredness, a tenacious cramp …. These signals, especially when they accumulate, can announce severe dehydration.
“”An intense thirst, a dry mouth, dark and infrequent urine, it is already a sign that the body is sounding the alarm alarm“He warns. Unexplained fatigue, dizziness, temporary confusion … All these inconveniences indicate that the body is sorely lacking in water, but also essential minerals. The body no longer manages to maintain its internal balance.
When the body flakes, because of a lack of water
Dehydration is not just a little hot under the sun. Its causes are sometimes brutal, and its consequences. “”This may be due to significant vomiting or diarrhea, gastroenteritis, heat stroke, or even extensive burns. All these scenarios make a lot of liquids lose the organization “.
The danger? This is the domino effect. “”Blood thickens, the heart struggles to pump, the kidneys no longer filter, toxins accumulate and the brain suffers. You can go to a coma, even to death “.
These signs not to be ignored, in case of hot weather
The skin also betrays this lack of hydration. “”When you pinch the skin and it remains pleated, it is a sign of loss of elasticity, therefore of severe dehydration “. But not only: violent cramps are also a little known sign of dehydration. Because in the event of lack of water and electrolytes, the muscles are particularly suffering.
“Electrolyte imbalance, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, disrupts nerve connections. Result: intense cramps with calves, thighs or hands, sometimes to the point of blocking any movement” details our expert.
What to do in this situation? Here are the good gestures that save
From the first signs, it is necessary to act quickly. The first reflex to have is to rehydrate, immediately.
“”The ideal is to drink an oral rehydration solution (SRO), that is to say water with sugar and salt. Otherwise, mix 1 liter of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and a little lemon juice, rich in potassium “, advise our doctor.
In the event of a heat stroke, it is also necessary to cool the body: wet cloths, fan, stay in the shade or in a fresh room, recalls the doctor.
But caution, because some cases cannot manage themselves. “”If the person has cramps accompanied by vomiting, preventing him from drinking, or if he presents neurological signs such as confusion or loss of knowledge, it is necessary to call the SAMU (15) without waiting “ concludes the emergency room.