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In humans dehydration can be caused by a wide range of diseases and states that impair water homeostasis in the body.

Examples are :

• infectious diseases
  • yellow fever
  • cholera
  • Shigellosis
  • common gastrointestinal viral and bacterial infections resulting in vomiting and diarrhea, also known as gastroenteritisGastroenteritis or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is an illness of fever, diarrhoea and/or vomiting caused by an infectious virus, bacterium or parasite. It usually is of acute onset, normally lasting less than 10 days and self-limiting..

• external or stress related causes
  • HyperthermiaHyperthermia is an acute condition resulting from excessive exposure to heat, it is also known as heat stroke or sunstroke . The homeothermal regulatory mechanisms become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, and body temperature climb
  • shockThis article is about medicine. For the concept of shock in physics and mechanics, see Shock (mechanics). For the 1946 film noir starring Vincent Price, see Shock (movie In medicine, shock is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by inability
  • blood loss or hypotensionIn physiology and medicine, hypotension refers to an abnormally low blood pressure. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Causes Orthostatic hypotension is a common cause of low blood pressure, resulting from a sudden due to traumaIn medicine, a trauma patient has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death. Trauma patients require specialized care including surgery and often blood transfusi
  • prolonged physical activity without consuming adequate water, especially in a hot environment

• dietary imbalances due to
  • nauseaNausea is the sensation of unease and discomfort from the stomach, with the sufferers feeling that they may vomit. Nausea is a symptom of many conditions, including motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, viral infections, and other diseases.
  • restricted saltProperties General Name Sodium chloride Chemical formula Na Cl Appearance White or clear solid CAS-number 7647-14-5 Physical Formula weight 58. 4 amu Melting point 1074 K (801 °C) Boiling point 1738 K (1465 °C) Density 2. 2 ×103 kg/ m3 Crystal structure f diets
  • excessive consumption of alcoholProperties General Name Ethanol Chemical formula C H OH Molecular weight 46. 07 amu CAS number 64-17-5 UN number 1170 Phase behavior Melting point 158. 3 °C) Boiling point 351. 4°C) Triple point 159 K (-114°C) Critical point 514 K (241°C) 63 bar ΔH

• other causes of obligate water loss or electrolyte abnormalities
  • severe hyperglycemia in diabetes. Excretion of glucose with urine ( glucosuria ) is accompanied with water loss. Water is the required solvent.

Correction of a dehydrated state is performed by rehydration, and the addition of necessary electrolytes.

Even in the case of serious lack of fresh water (e.g. at sea or in a desert), drinking seawater or urine does not help, neither does the consumption of diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol. Unnecessary sweating should be avoided, it wastes water. If there is only dry food, it is better not to eat, as it needs water to aid digestion.