The early effects of even mild dehydration are significant for health, well being, performance and learning - and in the long term carry a higher risk of a number of health problems and disease states. These include constipation, continence problems, kidney and urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and some cancers. In some scientific studies, a decrease in cancer risk was specifically associated with water, as opposed to any other fluids.

The lack of adequate body fluids needed for the body to carry on normal functions at an optimal level. Dehydration can be caused by fluid loss (through vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination), inadequate intake, or a combination of both. The most common cause of dehydration in infants and children is acute gastroenteritis with its associated vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage of body weight lost during the acute illness. See similar questions...

Frequent headaches, tiredness, constipation and nausea, are all typical symptoms of dehydration. A dry mouth or dry lips are also an indicator that our fluid intake is insufficient. Another useful guide is the colour of urine ? it should be straw coloured. Doctors also agree that ongoing mild dehydration does have a negative effect on general well-being. See similar questions...

If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization. See similar questions...

Causes of dehydration include excessive fluid losses due to excessive sweating, inadequate fluid intake, or a combination of these factors. See similar questions...

Hot and humid climates increase the risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Proper hydration before, during, and after physical activities is important. See similar questions...

Less information is available for children, compared with adults. In a spontaneous reporting system the most frequently reported events among children were fever, injection-site reactions, and rash. Local pain and swelling occurs in 20 – 28% of children aged 9 months – 18 years after influenza vaccination but also after injection of a placebo. Post vaccination fever was noted among 11.5% of children aged 1 – 5 years, 4.6% among children aged 6 – 10 years, and 5. See similar questions...

In most cases malnutrition and dehydration are completely preventable. Nursing homes are required to assess patients for risk of malnutrition and dehydration and to develop a comprehensive care plan to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. The care plan should address the risk of malnutrition and dehydration and the steps that will be taken by the nursing home to prevent malnutrition and dehydration. See similar questions...

Nursing homes are required under federal regulations to regularly monitor their residents' weight. If a patient is losing weight both the physician and dietician should be notified. The physician will most likely order lab results to assess the patient's nutritional status. See similar questions...

Among the many thousands who have had tissue implant injections, less than 1% of patients have reported adverse reactions. The precautions we take, including eliciting a patient history and testing for allergy, reduce the likelihood of side effects. See similar questions...