What is a common cause of dehydration in children?

Diarrhea and vomiting are common causes of dehydration in children due to the significant loss of fluids and electrolytes that occur during these conditions. When a child experiences diarrhea, they lose water and vital salts through their stools. Similarly, vomiting results in a rapid loss of fluids, which can lead to dehydration if not properly managed.

In children, the risk of dehydration is heightened because they have a higher body water percentage compared to adults and lower reserves, making them more susceptible to the effects of fluid loss. This underscores the importance of prompt rehydration, whether through oral rehydration solutions or, in more severe cases, intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Other options present less common causes of dehydration or do not lead to dehydration at all. For example, excessive sleep and overhydration do not contribute to fluid loss in a manner that would lead to dehydration, and while prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to conditions like sunburn or heat exhaustion, it is not considered a direct common cause of dehydration in children. Hence, recognizing diarrhea and vomiting as key causes helps in effectively preventing and addressing dehydration in pediatric populations.