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Dehydration

Dehydration is the removal of water (Greek hydor) from an object. There are many methods of dehydration, with the most common being the application of dry heated air. This causes evaporation of the surface water, which is replaced by water internally.

Drying is often used as a method of preserving food.

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

Examples are :

  • external or stress related causes

  • dietary imbalances due to

  • other causes of obligate water loss or electrolyte abnormalities

Symptoms may include headaches similar to what is experienced as a hangover, and lower blood pressure and a dizzy feeling when standing up which is called orthostatic hypotension. Extreme cases of dehydration can result in unconsciousness and death.

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



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