What is a common symptom of dehydration?

A common symptom of dehydration is dark urine. When the body is dehydrated, it conserves water, leading to concentrated urine that appears darker in color. The kidneys function to filter waste products from the blood while attempting to retain as much water as possible. As a result, when there is insufficient fluid intake, the urine becomes more concentrated, which can signify dehydration.

Increased energy levels would generally not occur in dehydration, as lack of fluid can lead to fatigue and diminished physical performance. Coughing is unrelated to hydration status and often pertains to respiratory issues rather than fluid balance. Frequent urination might suggest a good hydration level or certain medical conditions rather than dehydration, which typically results in less frequent urination due to the body's effort to preserve water.