Dehydration is a serious condition that can be life threatening if not treated correctly. Its more than just feeling thirsty and can come in milder of more severe instances.
We all need to take in water due to our bodies requiring water to function. Water is lost through the skin as sweat that evaporated from the surface causing a cooling effect. It is also lost in waste products as the body flushes itself of impurities and toxins. Failure to replenish the bodies water supply will lead to dehydration.
The symptoms of dehydration are initially thirst, dry lips and mouth. These symptoms will deteriorate and include headaches, dizziness and the blood will thicken and circulation will be impaired. Your extremities will get colder, your skin will discolor to bluish and you will become disorientated and confused. The final stages will lead to delirium, loss of vision and finally death will follow.
One major point to note with dehydration is that if you don't notice and treat the condition early you may not be of sound mind to treat it yourself later. In any case once it starts to become acute you will require medical attention to reverse the dehydration.
As they say 'prevention is better than a cure' and so it is with dehydration. Whilst you have the presence of mind to think about it make sure you take in as much water as you need to prevent it happening. If fresh clean water is in short supply then still drink what you require as leaving water until you are incapacitated will do you not good at all. Conserve water by keeping at a reasonable moderate temperature whenever possible. Exercise and stress will use up more water so avoid any unnecessary activities. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these will make you lose more water.
Once dehydration sets in just drinking water may be difficult and not be enough. Then only proper medical intervention will reverse the situation. Therefore, always ensure your water supply. Prepare as best you can to avoid any situations where water will be in short supply. Many people have never know a severe water shortage others have struggled to find fresh water most of their lives. Whatever our situation in can very easily reverse. Preparing to ensure our water supply should be at the top of our emergency preparedness list.