The most likely group to experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Having a higher surface area to volume area, they also lose a higher proportion of their fluids from a high fever or burns.
Why does dehydration cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea – the most common cause of dehydration and related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from food matter, and diarrhea prevents this from happening. The body excretes too much water, leading to dehydration. Vomiting – leads to a loss of fluids and makes it difficult to replace water by drinking it.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
- feeling thirsty.
- dark yellow and strong-smelling pee.
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- feeling tired.
- a dry mouth, lips and eyes.
- peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day.
