How to Spot Dehydration in Professional Athletes

Athletes need to consume enough water to replenish the fluid lost to sweat and to support the high level of physiologic activity that goes on in the body during athletic activities. Things like salt and potassium, known as electrolytes, are lost in sweat and athletes who are not adequately hydrated can suffer from imbalances of these substances in the bloodstream. Symptoms of dehydration in humans are detailed below. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Observe the athlete's performance and behavior. A dehydrated person will tire easily and will not rebound after a rest. He or she may seem uncharacteristically irritable, and performance will decline.
2. Look for signs that the person's mucous membranes are dry. When dehydrated, the mouth, eyes and nasal passages dry out. The person may rub his eyes and lick his lips frequently.
3. Watch for indications of confusion or poor coordination. As dehydration progresses, the athlete may seem to become less coordinated, have slower reflexes and be less able to make the quick decisions often required in athletic competition.
4. Consider dehydration a probable factor if the athlete suffers heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydrated people cannot adequately regulate body temperature, and elevated body temperature is a symptom of dehydration.
5. Notice if an athlete appears to stop sweating. Sweat production decreases and stops in dehydration.
6. Watch for indications that the athlete is experiencing abdominal cramps or nausea. Both of these can indicate dehydration and also heat exhaustion.
7. Look for signs of dizziness or disorientation. Dehydration can make people feel light headed.