What can dehydration lead to during physical activity?

Dehydration during physical activity can have several serious consequences, including heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, and heat stroke. When the body loses fluids and electrolytes, it struggles to maintain its normal temperature and physiological functions, which can lead to these conditions.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails due to insufficient hydration and loss of electrolytes, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Muscle cramps are spasms resulting from electrolyte imbalances or muscle fatigue, often exacerbated by dehydration. Heat stroke is a more severe condition that can occur when body temperature rises to dangerous levels, often a result of prolonged exposure to heat and insufficient fluid intake. Symptoms can include confusion, loss of consciousness, and a high body temperature, with serious life-threatening implications.

Thus, dehydration can lead to all of these conditions, reinforcing the importance of adequate hydration during physical activity to maintain performance and safety.