Location and symptoms

Generalised headache – headaches are one of the symptoms of dehydration.

Precipitating factors

Dehydration is caused by a lack of fluid intake or excess fluid losses. You are most likely to lose fluid through vomiting, diarrhoea, sweat and urine. Many cases of dehydration are caused by: heat, vomiting and diarrhoea (i.e. ‘gastro’), fever, vigorous exercise or strenuous activity, alcohol consumption (alcohol acts as a diuretic), travel (travellers’diarrhoea, long-haul flights – dry cabin conditions, sun exposure, physical activities and alcohol consumption) or lack of food/fluid intake.


Under normal circumstances a ‘good hydration status’ can be adequately achieved with water and a balanced diet. However, if you are at risk of dehydration, an oral rehydration solution (Hydralyte™) will have some advantages, including:

  • Rehydration is likely to be more rapid
  • The retention of water is better.
  • Hydralyte™ is a pleasant flavoured solution, which can be more palatable than plain water, and this can make it easier for you to consume an adequate amount of fluid daily.

Click here for more information from Hydralyte