Dehydration Test: How to Spot the Signs and Act Quickly

As Arkansas temperatures consistently climb into the 90s, your risk for dehydration climbs as well. Though dehydration can be avoided by drinking plenty of water, your body’s fluid levels can quickly drop in extreme heat if you don’t have access to water. Learn more about the signs of dehydration below and find out what actions you should take – including a simple dehydration test – if you notice any symptoms in yourself or others.

Symptoms of Thirst

Thirst is the first indication of dehydration. Even mild thirst can quickly escalate to more serious signs of dehydration and should be taken seriously.

Headaches or Muscle Cramps
If you experience unexplainable headaches or muscle cramps, you could be mildly or moderately dehydrated.

Dry Skin that Tents
Evaluating the elasticity of your skin is one of the easiest ways to do a dehydration test on yourself or others. This involves gently pinching the top of your hand. If the skin immediately returns to normal, you're hydrated. If it moves back slowly, you're likely dehydrated. If it stays tented, seek medical attention.

Not Urinating or Dark Urine
Your urine color and frequency are reliable indicators of hydration. A dehydration test using urine color can help: pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow or no urination at all may mean severe dehydration.

A Rapid Heartbeat and Heavy Breathing
A racing heart rate and heavy breathing–especially when you're not exercising–are signs that your body may be struggling due to fluid loss.

Confusion, Fatigue, Dizziness or Irritability
When your brain lacks fluids, cognitive function can suffer. Feeling faint, lightheaded, or extremely irritable are signs to take seriously. Use a dehydration test like checking your mental clarity or alertness to help assess severity.

Fever and Chills
Dehydration can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to fever or chills. These are often symptoms of a more advanced stage of fluid loss.

Fainting and Unconsciousness
When dehydration becomes life-threatening, fainting may occur. Call 911 immediately if someone passes out or is unresponsive. This is well beyond what any dehydration test can determine on its own and requires emergency care.

Symptoms of Dehydration in Young Children

Babies and young children may not be able to express their symptoms clearly. In addition to the signs above, a visual dehydration test can include:

• Crying without Tears – Crying but producing no tears is a strong sign of fluid deficiency.
• A Dry Diaper – No wet diapers for 3+ hours could indicate dehydration.
• Sunken Eyes, Cheeks, or Soft Spot – These signs suggest the child has lost a significant amount of fluid and needs urgent attention.

How to Treat Dehydration

For mild to moderate dehydration, remove the person from heat and begin sipping water gradually. This allows better absorption. Drinks that replenish electrolytes, like coconut water or Pedialyte (for children), are ideal.

For severe dehydration, remove the person from the heat and seek emergency care immediately. If there is any question about the severity of dehydration, always err on the side of caution and drive to the hospital or call 911. Severe dehydration is a deadly condition and not a minute can be wasted when seeking treatment.

At Baptist Health, we’re committed to helping you have your healthiest, happiest summer yet. Learn more about how you can stay safe this season – and all year long – by exploring the BHealthy blog.