Preventing Dehydration

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We have already had some scorchers this spring and it is only going to get worse. For the very young and very old in particular there is always a concern of dehydration in the hot weather.

Symptoms of dehydration vary between individuals depending on the underlying cause. There are many other causes besides the heat.

Dehydration symptoms can be acute and appear relatively suddenly, such as during or after an illness involving repeated vomiting and diarrhea.

Dehydration can also be ongoing and chronic, such as when a person does not drink enough fluids because of a fear of loss of bladder control.

Another concern is that the elderly often don't recognize they are dehydrated until it is too late.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio