Dehydration

Overview

Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake. Factors that contribute to dehydration include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• high fever
• exposure to the heat and sun
• excessive exercise
• medications, including:
  diuretics (water pills)
  laxatives
• inadequate fluid intake due to:
  mobility problems
  mental or memory problems
  decreased thirst perception
  desire to limit incontinence
  
• fluid imbalance caused by illnesses, such as:
  diabetes mellitus
  diabetes insipidus
  lung disease
  kidney problems
  burns

Risk Factors
Risk factors that increase your chance of getting dehydration include:

• age:
  younger than 2 years old
  65 and older
• living in a nursing home
• neurological conditions, such stroke or cerebral palsy
• memory problems or dementia
• chronic medical conditions
• athletic competition

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