6. Know the Signs of Dehydration
“Some of the earliest signs of dehydration are easy to overlook, including mild headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, increased thirst, and lightheadedness when standing up,” says Sheth.
People often blame these symptoms on their sickle cell disease instead of recognizing that they may not be drinking enough, he says.
Children and teens who don’t drink enough may also feel dizzy, get muscle cramps, or become constipated.
Urine color isn’t always a reliable clue, either. “People with sickle cell disease may continue producing relatively dilute urine even when they are dehydrated because their kidneys have difficulty concentrating urine,” says Sheth.
Instead, pay attention to changes from how you usually feel, especially during hot weather or an illness, he says. Get medical care if you can’t drink enough to stay hydrated or you develop concerning symptoms.
