Describe dehydration and heatstroke.

Description should include the following concepts:

• Dehydration is a critical loss of water from the body.
• Causes of dehydration are altitude, hot flight decks and flight lines, wind, humidity, and diuretic drinks, such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and caffeinated soft drinks.
• Some common signs of dehydration are headache, fatigue, cramps, sleepiness, and dizziness.
• Heatstroke is a condition caused by any inability of the body to control its temperature.
• The onset of heatstroke may be recognized by the symptoms of dehydration, but also has been known to be recognized only upon complete collapse.

PLT536

Process/Skill Questions:

• What causes dehydration?
• What are symptoms of dehydration?