| Why this is important: Dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of water from the body. Dehydration can result from various gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, fever, burns and heat exposure, excessive exercise, and inadequate water intake. Infants and small children are much more likely to become dehydrated than older children or adults, because they can lose relatively more fluid quickly. Often, dehydration becomes the major problem in an otherwise self-limited illness. Symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from those of the original illness, but in general, the following signs are suggestive of dehydration: rapid weight loss, increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness or lightheadedness (particularly if worsening on standing), darkening of the urine, or a decrease in urination. Severe dehydration can lead to changes in the body's chemistry, kidney failure, and can even become life-threatening. |
