Water Intoxication

We are often informed by doctors that drinking 6-8 glasses of water everyday is a good habit as it helps to get rid of accumulated toxins in the body. Inadequate water intake disturbs bowel function, which may lead to constipation. However, in an attempt to stay hydrated, few people tend to drink water in huge quantities in a short interval of time. This too much water intake or water overdose triggers a worrisome condition known as water intoxication (hyponatremia).

What is Water Intoxication?

As aforementioned, abnormally high amounts of water consumption in a short amount of time gives rise to a life-threatening problem, commonly referred to as water intoxication. Also referred to as water poisoning, it rapidly causes decline in sodium levels. Sodium is one of the 4 electrolytes present in our body. Proper functioning of the brain is dependent on the amount of sodium present in the human body. Sodium is also found in brain cells in small amounts. With low sodium due to excessive water intake, disturbances in brain function are likely to occur. The surplus water consumed fills the brain cells. As a result, the brain cells become abnormally large in size. This condition is known as brain edema and is considered to be a serious issue. Hyponatremia is a term commonly used to describe low sodium levels resulting from water intoxication.

Causes

People who participate in water or juice drinking contests are most vulnerable to falling prey to this condition. In these contestants, the one who consumes maximum amount of water is declared as the winner. So, in a bid to win the contestant, participants drink massive amounts of water, which can lead to water intoxication and subsequent hyponatremia. Many times, athletes and other sportsperson are observed drinking water in large amounts after completing their training. This too can cause water poisoning and damage health. Most sports drinks contain electrolytes. So, having a sports drink to curb excessive thirst is useful to prevent hyponatremia. This condition has also been associated with kidney disorders. This is because, kidneys remove surplus fluid from blood, which is then eliminated in the form of urine. Therefore kidney dysfunction can be one of the reasons behind too much water in the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms manifest in the form of nausea, headache, muscle cramps, edema, vomiting, lethargy and confusion. As the condition worsens, the person experiences seizures and may even go into coma and eventually lead to death. Excessive crying, breathing problems and abnormal heartbeat are some of the symptoms linked with water poisoning in babies.

The only source of food for babies is mother's milk, which contains a substantial amount of water. So, explicitly feeding too much plain water is not necessary. Yes, it is true that the babies fluid intake increases in summer time. Also, when the babies and infants suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration is likely to occur. In such cases, instead of giving plain water, one should give rehydration solutions like pedialyte as they also contain electrolytes. Rehydrating babies with pedialytes will help to restore and maintain electrolyte balance, crucial for optimal health. Be it infants or adults, gastroenteritis patients experience frequent vomiting. As a result, patients are put on saline for a few days. However, the doctors should ensure that saline solution contributes to replenish electrolyte loss as well as prevents dehydration.

Fatalities

Participating in these water drinking contestants is the primary reason behind water poisoning deaths. Jennifer Strange was one victim, who succumbed to consequences of hyponatremia in 2007. This 28-year-old woman took part in a water drinking contest organized by a local radio channel in California. The winner of the contest was supposed to get a Nintendo's Wii game console. The contestants were supposed to gulp down water as much as possible, without visiting the toilet. Well, she won the contest by consuming almost two gallons of water. But this excessive water intake in a short span of time was enough to take her life.

In order to treat water poisoning, firstly, one should minimize consumption of fluids. Decreasing fluid intake will help to prevent symptoms from aggravating. The doctor may administer sodium intravenously in order to restore normal electrolyte balance. When hyponatremia is not severe, symptoms can be managed effectively by adding more salt in a meal. A salty meal contains high amounts of sodium which may help overcome symptoms of water poisoning. Treatment for hyponatremia may also involve use of diuretics. Diuretics are substances that prompt the body to urinate frequently. Excess urination may help to get rid of surplus water.

A point to note that although drinking 8 glasses of water is suggested by doctor, water intake will vary according to diet and exercise. One should never gulp down water hastily in order to meet the 8 glasses of water a day guideline. A healthy option would be to consume water in moderate amounts throughout the day.