Causes of Dehydration in Adults

Many conditions may cause rapid and continued fluid losses and lead to dehydration:

• Fever, heat exposure, and too much exercise
  
  
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination due to infection
  
  
• Diseases such as diabetes
  
  
• The inability to seek appropriate water and food (an infant or disabled person, for example)
  
  
• An impaired ability to drink (someone in a coma or on a respirator or a sick infant who cannot suck on a bottle are common examples)
  
  
• No access to safe drinking water
  
  
• Significant injuries to skin, such as burns or mouth sores, or severe skin diseases or infections (water is lost through the damaged skin)