As the full force of summer heat arrives, health authorities are on alert over seasonal health management. In summer, when both temperature and humidity rise, increased sweating can easily lead to dehydration.
The problem is that early symptoms of dehydration are difficult to distinguish from other health issues. Since severe thirst appears only after dehydration has significantly progressed, it is important to detect changes in the body before that stage.
British sports nutritionist Dr. James Morehen recently identified headaches, reduced concentration, cravings for certain foods, and persistent bad breath as key early symptoms of dehydration in an interview with a local outlet.
If headaches and reduced concentration accompany hot weather, it may be a sign of insufficient hydration rather than simple fatigue. Sudden cravings for salty or sweet foods are also signs of dehydration.
"When body fluid levels decrease, fatigue sets in, and the body may mistake this for hunger," he explained. When hydration is insufficient, saliva production decreases and bacteria multiply in the mouth, causing bad breath.
"Saliva plays an important role in washing away bacteria in the mouth," Dr. James said. "Drinking enough water helps not only oral health but also overall hydration."
Damage from heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, is increasing every year. According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of the 22nd of last month, the preliminary cumulative number of heat-related illness patients was 349, up 31.7% from the same period last year (265).
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's "2024 Emergency Room Surveillance System Statistics," 30.4% of heat-related illness patients were elderly people aged 65 or older. Lee Hyung-seok, a professor of emergency medicine at Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, said, "As people age, sweat secretion decreases and the ability to regulate skin blood flow also declines, making it difficult to effectively release heat." He added, "Many people do not feel thirst well, or even when they do, they do not replenish fluids, so the risk of dehydration is high."
According to the emergency medical status over the past 10 years (2014-2023) compiled by the National Medical Center, the month with the most emergency room patients throughout the year was August (about 4.98 million people).
The foundation of dehydration prevention is regular fluid intake. Generally, six to eight glasses a day are recommended, but intake should be increased on days with high temperatures or frequent outdoor activity.
Dr. James recommended, "In hot weather, it is effective to drink a glass of water right after waking up and before going to bed." A glass after waking up replenishes fluids lost overnight, and a glass before bed helps regulate body temperature during sleep. However, since it can disrupt sound sleep, it is advisable to refrain from intake 30 to 45 minutes before falling asleep.
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