Why might intense thirst be considered a late indicator of hydration stress, particularly in older adults?
Answer
By the time intense thirst manifests, the body may already be under mild to moderate stress.
A critical distinction noted by medical professionals is the timing of the thirst signal relative to actual fluid depletion. Thirst is frequently described as a relatively late indicator of dehydration. This means that significant fluid imbalance or deficit can exist before the sensation becomes overwhelming or even noticeable. Especially in vulnerable populations like older adults, or during prolonged, strenuous activity, waiting for intense thirst to manifest means the body is already operating under suboptimal or stressed conditions, underscoring the need for proactive hydration monitoring.
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