Dehydration and fluid deficiency can occur for various reasons, for example when it is hot. Then headache is often a symptom.
Then it can be easy to think that you take a headache pill, says Claesson.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (for example Ipren, Ibumetin), and naproxen can have side effects when dehydrated. They belong to the group of anti-inflammatory medications and when there is a fluid deficiency, less blood and fluid flow through the kidneys, which can increase the risk of kidney failure.
If you are unsure, you can ask a pharmacy or healthcare: what works for me to take and not?
Ask your doctor
Certain types of blood pressure lowering medications and medications for type 2 diabetes (also called age-related diabetes) and heart failure can also have side effects when dehydrated.
— There is a whole range of medications, some of them can have side effects if you are dehydrated. It is important that you know what to do.
Doctors usually inform that a break should be made when dehydrated and it is often stated on the medication label that is attached by pharmacy staff. If you are unsure about what applies, you should ask your doctor.
We in Sweden are perhaps not so used to heat for a long time, means Claesson.
It is important to drink all the time, to have a water bottle with you if you are out, she says and continues:
The elderly and children are extra sensitive to fluid deficiency. The elderly often feel a little less thirsty and may drink a little too little in normal cases.
Important with fluid
Symptoms of fluid deficiency and dehydration can be headache, nausea, dizziness, or that you urinate less often, that the amount of urine is smaller or has a darker color. You can also get a higher body temperature.
If you start to feel thirsty, a little nauseous and have a headache, it is important to get fluids. You can also take fluid replacement.
During the hottest hours, you should be where it is cool.
If you feel really bad, you should contact healthcare, says Claesson.
