While Carey's hospitalization only temporarily halted the stunning singer's Rainbow tour, the effects of this serious condition can put a permanent halt to life itself. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, dehydration caused by diarrhea is the No. 1 killer of children and infants, who generally have greater hydration needs. In the U.S. about 500 people die of dehydration every year. But the young are not the only ones at risk. People with diabetes and individuals taking high blood pressure medications may also be predisposed to dehydration.
Dehydration is caused by an excessive loss of water and salts from the body.
In order to maintain enough blood and other fluids, the human body needs approximately two liters per day for adequate hydration. Maintaining water intake is important because we're constantly losing water through sweat, breathing, urination, and excretion. Many illnesses can cause fevers, which increase fluid loss. Hot weather and prolonged exercise also accelerate dehydration. The most common causes of dehydration are diarrhea and vomiting.