Doctor warns of dehydration symptoms we 'sometimes put down to other things'

Doctor warns of dehydration symptoms we 'sometimes put down to other things'Dehydration can cause various symptoms beyond feeling thirsty and having a dry mouthCommentsNewsSteven Smith Content Editor10:19, 13 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesSymptoms can be put down to other things(Image: fizkes via Getty Images)As temperatures start to rise, staying properly hydrated becomes increasingly crucial. Feeling thirsty is one of the most obvious warning signs of dehydration, alongside a dry mouth and lips, darker urine, and needing the toilet less frequently.‌In serious cases, you might begin to feel lethargic, dizzy or even confused. However, there are additional symptoms you may not have thought about.‌Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder, director and doctor of Clinicbe clinic in London, told Surrey Live this time last year: "Sometimes, feeling sluggish and tired can be a sign of dehydration, which people sometimes put down to other things. This is particularly true when the weather is hot. During warm and hot spells, we sweat a lot more, and therefore need to drink more than usual to compensate for the extra water loss.‌"In addition to this, when it's warm/hot, our blood vessels tend to dilate to try to radiate extra heat from the body. The vasodilation can lower the blood pressure slightly and when you don't drink enough to make up for this drop in blood pressure, it can make you feel faint and sluggish."View 3 ImagesKeeping hydrated is important(Image: Zelma Brezinska via Getty Images)The recommended daily water intake guideline is two litres per day, although this varies depending on a person's individual needs, such as their weight, how often they exercise, and their caffeine consumption, amongst other factors.‌Describing how body weight influences water consumption, Dr Kubicka explained: "Adults need roughly 30ml/kg/day. So a 50kg person would need to drink 1.5L of water per day, and an 80kg person would need 2.4L of water per day."Th...