water intoxication: Is drinking too much water a hidden danger? Know here

John Putnam, a 74-year-old landscaper in Round Rock, Texas, endured nearly 100 degrees of heat while working in June. He drank over three gallons of water in five hours after mowing two lawns. Rather than feeling better, he was just exhausted and feeling dizzy. He was breathing excessively and had chest pain at home. He went to the hospital, believing he was having a heart attack, but what they discovered there was water intoxication, as per the reports of The Wall Street Journal.

What Is Water intoxication?

To stay hydrated, it’s critical to drink water, particularly in the heat. But ingesting too much water too quickly can lead to issues like vertigo, nausea, and in extreme circumstances, seizures or even death. It’s possible that more people are overhydrating because they use reusable water bottles, endure heat waves, and prepare for endurance sports. According to Colleen Munoz of the University of Hartford’s Hydration Health Center, a lot of individuals worry too much about becoming dehydrated.

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Water intoxication: Symptoms and dangers

Dietitian Rayven Nairn of Johns Hopkins University stated that because water intoxication is not well recognized, it is difficult to recognize. It may present with symptoms similar to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Excessive water consumption dilutes blood sodium levels, which can result in hyponatremia. Because it causes brain cells to grow, this illness can be serious as it might result in coma, seizures, or even death. When actress Brooke Shields consumed too much water, she once experienced a seizure.

How to treat water intoxication

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect water intoxication. Using blood testing and medical history, doctors will determine the severity. In extreme situations, intravenous sodium may be required; in mild cases, water intake limits may be necessary. Conivaptan and other tolvaptan-type medications can help control salt levels.

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Sodium is necessary for the body to maintain the proper balance of cell fluids. About one liter of water can be processed by the kidneys in an hour. Electrolytes can get diluted by excessive drinking. It can be dangerous to consume more than one liter of alcohol each hour, according to Thunder Jalili of the University of Utah. Medications or medical conditions such as impaired renal function can also impact salt levels.

FAQs

How much water should one drink daily?
Hydration needs vary by individual, but general guidelines suggest about 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men, including all drinks and food.

What factors influence how much water you need?
Factors include age, body size, environment, and physical activity. People who exercise a lot or live in hot climates may need more water.