Causes
Large amounts of water can be lost in a short period of time with prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea. One or both of these symptoms can be seen with a wide variety of conditions. Some examples include:
- Gastroenteritis ("stomach flu") – inflammation of the digestive tract; very common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in all age groups; may be linked to a foodborne or waterborne illness and caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections of the digestive tract
- An obstruction, for example, in the digestive tract
- Drug overdose or toxicity
- Malabsorption
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel
Fluids may also be lost due to:
- Fever
- Burns
- Intense or prolonged physical exertion and sweating such as may occur with athletes training in hot temperature and/or for long periods of time
- Excessive urination – may occur with:
- Some diseases that affect the body's ability to concentrate urine and conserve water
- Uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Use of medications such as diuretics
- Excessive bleeding
A lack of fluids may also occur because there is insufficient intake. This can happen:
- In infants who cannot communicate thirst
- In people with inflamed mouths or sore throats who don't drink enough because of the pain
- In some elderly people who need assistance with access to water
- Due to a lack of available water
- With a decreased sense of thirst or appetite
Some rare causes include:
