What are common symptoms of dehydration in patients?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance that can affect various bodily functions. Common symptoms include thirst, which is the body's primary mechanism for signaling that it needs more fluids. Additionally, a dry mouth is often observed due to decreased saliva production. Fatigue and dizziness can be signs of reduced blood volume and the body's struggle to maintain blood pressure, which commonly happens in dehydration. Dark-colored urine is another hallmark symptom because concentrated urine results from less fluid intake.

While sleepiness and confusion can occur in severe cases of dehydration, they are not the most common initial symptoms. Symptoms such as increased appetite and energy are not typically associated with dehydration; in fact, they often decrease as dehydration progresses. Similarly, severe headaches and high blood pressure are not direct signs of dehydration and may indicate other underlying health issues.