Can You be Dehydrated in The Winter?

Winter Dehydration

One common question our staff hears this time of year is: Can you become dehydrated in the winter? The answer is yes. 

Why Dehydration Occurs

Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid—more specifically when you’re losing more fluid than you are taking in. When this happens, your body does not have enough water to perform regular functions properly.

You can lose excessive amounts of fluid from your body in the following ways:

• Sweating too much
• Urinating too much
• Not drinking enough water
• Diahrrea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

Common symptoms of dehydration may include:

• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dry skin

How to Keep From Overheating

During colder weather, you are prone to dehydration because your sweat evaporates more quickly in the cold, dry air. Here are some tips to keep you from overheating and becoming dehydrated.

Wear Light and Removable Layers

Although we tend to bundle up and wear layers to preserve body heat, the added bulk and weight can actually cause you to overheat, producing more sweat and losing more fluids.

Be sure to wear light and removable layers that you can take off when you’re starting to feel hot to prevent overheating. This way, you can put them back on when you need them.

Some removable and layering-friendly clothing items to consider may include:

• Gloves and mittens
• Cardigan
• Zip-up sweatshirt
• Scarves
• Knit hat
• A jacket with a hood

Remember to Drink Water, Even When You Aren’t Thirsty

Whenever you can see your breath as you exhale during cooler temperatures, your body is losing fluids through these water vapors. While your body continues to lose water and fluids through respiration, your body may not let you know that you’re thirsty. For this reason, you should make it a point to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although, more often than not, dehydration is mild, it can also be life-threatening. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Not urinating
• Dark urine
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting

If symptoms persist or last longer than a few days, the Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help. When it comes to urgent care, each patient can expect us to help them get back to life with quality care and personalized service. Save your spot in line or walk-in today! Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.