What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluid to carry out normal activities. Your body loses water every day through sweating, breathing, urination and digestion. Normally, drinking and eating replace these losses. When this balance is disturbed, dehydration begins.

Major Causes of Dehydration

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

One of the most common causes is simply not drinking enough fluids. Busy schedules, forgetting to drink, or not feeling thirsty can lead to a gradual drop in hydration. Hot weather increases fluid needs, making dehydration even more likely.

2. Excessive Sweating

Sweating helps cool the body, but heavy sweating causes rapid fluid loss.
This can happen during:

• Exercise

• Outdoor activities in hot weather

• Humid environments

• Fever

Without replacing lost fluids, dehydration sets in quickly.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea leads to a large and sudden loss of water and electrolytes. It is one of the leading causes of dehydration, especially in children and older adults. Severe or persistent diarrhea needs medical attention.

4. Vomiting

Vomiting removes fluid from the body and also makes it harder to drink and keep fluids down. When vomiting occurs repeatedly, dehydration develops rapidly.

5. Fever

A higher body temperature increases water loss through sweating. The higher the fever, the faster the fluid loss.

6. Increased Urination

Certain conditions can lead to increased urination, such as:

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Some medicines

• Caffeine-heavy or alcohol-heavy drinks

More frequent urination means more water leaving the body.

7. Medical Conditions

Some illnesses make people more prone to dehydration. These include:

• Kidney disorders

• Hormonal imbalances

• Infections causing high fever

These conditions affect fluid balance and may require medical treatment.

8. Burns and Skin Injuries

Large burns or skin injuries cause the body to lose moisture through damaged skin. This can lead to serious dehydration if not managed properly.

Who Is More at Risk?

Certain groups are more likely to become dehydrated:

• Infants and young children

• Older adults

• People living in hot climates

• Athletes

• People with chronic illnesses

• Individuals who work outdoors

They need to be especially careful about fluid intake.

Signs of Dehydration

Common signs include:

• Thirst

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue

• Dark yellow urine

• Dizziness

• Headache

Severe dehydration may cause confusion, rapid heartbeat and very low urine output, requiring urgent medical care.

How to Prevent Dehydration

Preventing dehydration is simple if you stay mindful:

• Drink water regularly throughout the day

• Increase fluid intake during exercise or hot weather

• Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables

• Replace fluids lost during illness

• Limit alcohol and excessive caffeine

• Keep an eye on urine colour as a quick hydration check

Final Thoughts

Dehydration is common but largely preventable. By understanding its causes and paying attention to your body’s needs, you can maintain healthy fluid levels and support your overall wellbeing. Small daily habits such as drinking enough water and staying alert during illness or hot weather can make a big difference.