For which group is dehydration risk particularly heightened due to physiological factors?

Infants are particularly at heightened risk for dehydration due to several physiological factors that contribute to their vulnerability. Firstly, infants have a higher body water content compared to adults, with approximately 75-80% of their weight comprised of water. This makes them more susceptible to fluctuations in hydration levels. Furthermore, their kidneys are not fully developed, which limits their ability to concentrate urine and conserve water effectively, making it challenging for them to maintain fluid balance, especially under conditions of heat or illness.

Additionally, infants have a larger surface area relative to their body size than older children or adults, which increases the amount of fluid they can lose through the skin and respiratory systems. They may also rely entirely on milk or formula for hydration, and any decrease in intake due to factors like illness or reduced feeding can lead to rapid dehydration.

These physiological traits, combined with their reliance on caregivers for adequate fluid intake, significantly heighten the risk of dehydration when compared to other groups, like young adults, teenagers, or middle-aged adults, who generally have more developed physiological mechanisms for regulating hydration.