As summer approaches us in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dehydration remains one of the most common yet overlooked health risks. It’s more than just feeling thirsty – it can affect your energy, concentration and focus, and overall health. As a doctor, I often see patients who don’t realize they’re dehydrated until they experience severe symptoms.
Let me explain how to identify dehydration, prevent it, and know when to see a doctor.
Drinking plenty of water helps:
Sometimes, even mild dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty in concentration. If ignored and left untreated, it can lead to low blood pressure and kidney-related issues.
5 Common Signs of Dehydration
#1 Dry mouth and lips.
#2 Dark yellow urine or reduced amount of urine.
#3 Fatigue and headaches.
#4 Dizziness.
#5 Increased heart rate (seen only in severe cases).
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
#1 lack of urine for 8 hours or more.
#2 Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 1 day.
#3 Severe dizziness, confusion or difficulty in speaking.
#4 High fever along with dehydration symptoms.
The above signs could indicate severe dehydration, which may require IV fluids and urgent treatment by a doctor.
Higher Risk of Dehydration Arises when…
Certain groups are more vulnerable to dehydration, including:
#1 Children – Lose fluids quickly due to vomiting or diarrhea.
#2 Elders – There’s a risk as they may not feel thirsty even when they’re dehydrated.
#3 Those who work outdoor – tend to lose fluids through excessive sweating.
#4 People with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea – Lose fluids rapidly due to illness.
Medical Tips for Staying Hydrated
#1 Drink a minimum of 2 to 3 litres of water every day.
#2 Don’t wait until you’re thirsty – drink water regularly.
#3 Monitor your urine colour regularly – pale yellow is ideal; dark yellow means you need more water/ fluids.
#4 Consume water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
#5 Drink more fluids during fever, diarrhea, or if you sweat heavily.
Home Remedy If You’re Dehydrated?
Mild Dehydration:
Start with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or make your own by mixing:
1 litre of water + 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt
Severe Dehydration:
If you have dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately—you may need IV fluids.
If symptoms worsen, don’t wait—see a doctor immediately.
Dr. Logeshwaran, General Physician, Diha Clinic, Nanganallur, Chennai.
r k2025-08-06 I have consulted Dr Arulmozhi who made me feel easy and responded to my queries positively and guide me regarding food habits.A good clinic and the staff are courteous. I wish them all the best. Saranya Anbarasu2025-08-05 The clinic is very neat and clean. The ambience is very pleasant. The staffs are very kind and they guide us clearly. Dr. Sudha Balasubramanian was kind enough to guide us in a comfortable way. Anand singh2025-08-05 It was my first visit... didn't have to wait much ..... medicines prescribed by the dr were quite effective....got rid off my ear discharge DrAnkith sudhir.2025-08-05 Dr sunandha was very good. Good doctor, explained all procedures, tests and management very well. Very satisfied with the doctor 👍 Sivagami Sivagami2025-08-05 This is 1st visit to consultation with Dr Gopalaratnam orthopedic, he clearly explained step by step ,staffs are very caring and very thanks to diha clinic Chandrasekaran Venkataraman2025-08-05 Myself first time visited this clinic for exray and had memorable experience, attention, hospitality was fantastic. Got good care and the report was sent to my email and also got the hard copy. Next day morning at 10.30am I needed a blood test and they said they cans a person only for next day. Then I told them urgency they sent the person for blood. Yesterday I visited again for my brother Me. V. Ragunathan for diabetic care the reception girls were very much courteous and took care of us. When the doctor was late by few minutes they informed us. The attention given by the Doctor Arulmozhi Murthy and the way explained everything after through examination was excellent and we thoroughly experienced a wonderful warmth. Everything is excellent and there is no word to express our gratitude. Our sincere thanks to the Doctor and all the staff who had helped us yesterday. Krithika2025-08-04 Dr Sunandha was good and knowledgeable, explained the issue very clearly and was very kind. Overall the clinic is clean and the staff are helpful Jagadesan Balakumar2025-08-04 We did take lab test today..billing team handling very care and explained clearly Thanks for diha . Mahan Karai Siddhar2025-08-02 Dr. Vishnu's way of approach towards diagnosing patient's health is so perfect way of handling Thank you
No 6, 6th Main Road, Opp.Indian Bank. Nanganallur, Chennai - 600061
About Diha Clinic
Diha is a multi-speciality clinic that brings high-quality healthcare at a reasonable cost to Nanganallur, Chennai, and the surrounding areas. It is a not-for-profit clinic, set up by the Diha Trust.
It’s an outpatient facility that offers quality healthcare across General Medicine, Diabetology, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Dermatology, ENT & Physiotherapy. It has an NABL accredited Lab and also offers ECG, Echo, TMT, X-Ray and Ultrasound inhouse.
Places we serve: Our customers mostly come from Nanganallur, Adambakkam, Madipakkam, Alandur, Medavakkam, Pazhavanthangal, Keelkattalai, Puzhuthivakkam, Ullagaram, Guindy, St. Thomas Mount, Meenambakkam, Velacherry & more.
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