The Official Word on Petraeus' Faint: 'Dehydration'

The Department of Defense has issued a release that blames dehydration for General David Petraeus' fainting episode earlier today.

Petraeus briefly slumped over during a Senate hearing on the war on Afghanistan this morning.

Though there was speculation that the stress of tough questions from a Senate committee may be responsible for the scare, it soon emerged that Petraeus had skipped breakfast and was suffering from dehydration.

"Petraeus returned about a half hour later, telling the senators he felt better after drinking several glasses of water and eating a banana," the Pentagon's official coverage reads.

He was also seen by a doctor, according to Pentagon spokesperson Geoff Morrell.

No comment has been issued, however, on whether the Senate will incorporate more bathroom breaks to encourage adequate hydration. During a Senate hearing last year, Petraeus and U.S Ambassador Ryan Crocker endured 10-hour sessions with only two opportunities to relieve themselves.

"I'm not sure two days of this is Geneva-compliant," Sen. Lindsey Graham quipped at the time. "But we'll go on."