When the thermometer is racing, the body sometimes sends discreet alerts before the situation becomes worrying. This Friday, May 30, several French regions are experiencing temperatures worthy of midsummer, with an increased risk of dehydration. According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, certain signals must be taken very seriously before more serious complications appear.
Severe dehydration: the first warning signs
Dehydration does not only manifest itself through the feeling of thirst. Several symptoms appear gradually when the body lacks water.
“Intense thirst, dry mouth, dark and infrequent urine are already signs that the body is sounding the alarm.“
These signs may include unusual fatigue, dizziness or even episodes of temporary confusion. These manifestations reflect a lack of water but also of minerals essential for the proper functioning of cells.
The causes are multiple. “This may be due to severe vomiting or diarrhea, gastroenteritis, heat stroke, or even extensive burns. All of these scenarios cause the body to lose a lot of fluid.“, explains the doctor.
When the situation worsens, the consequences can become particularly serious: “The blood thickens, the heart struggles to pump, the kidneys no longer filter, toxins accumulate and the brain suffers. You can go as far as coma, or even death.“
Why leg cramps are a sign you should never ignore
Among the lesser-known symptoms is a phenomenon that is nevertheless common during heat episodes: intense muscle cramps.
The skin can already provide a valuable clue. “When you pinch the skin and it remains wrinkled, it is a sign of loss of elasticity, therefore severe dehydration“, underlines the specialist.
But the muscles are also directly affected. When a significant amount of water and electrolytes are lost through sweating, nerve exchange becomes less efficient.
“Imbalance in electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, disrupts nerve connections. Result: intense cramps in the calves, thighs or hands, sometimes to the point of blocking all movement“, specifies Dr Gérald Kierzek.
These sudden pains can therefore constitute a real warning signal, particularly when they occur in the context of extreme heat or prolonged physical exertion.
What to do immediately in case of dehydration?
From the first symptoms, the priority is to quickly compensate for the losses of water and mineral salts.
“The ideal is to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS), that is, water with sugar and salt. Failing that, mix 1 liter of water, 1 teaspoon of salt and a little lemon juice, rich in potassium“, advises the doctor.
In the event of heatstroke, it is also recommended to cool the body by staying in the shade, in a cool place, using damp cloths or a fan.
However, certain situations require rapid medical intervention. “If the person has cramps accompanied by vomiting, preventing them from drinking, or if they present neurological signs such as confusion or loss of consciousness, they must call the SAMU (15) without delay.“, warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek.