Hyponatremia occurs when there are low levels of sodium in the blood, caused by excess water. The condition can lead to death.
Hyponatremia is a reduction in the concentration of sodium in the blood due to excess water in the body. In this way, the body retains a lot of water, diluting the amount of solute in the blood, leaving the levels below those indicated.
Until then, the condition was little known. However, two recent cases have drawn attention to the problem. The first involved a boy who had to be hospitalized after consuming six bottles of water in a very short period of time.
In the second, which had a tragic outcome, a woman also died after consuming too much water too quickly. In common in the two reported situations, both had long been engaged in outdoor activities in a climate of intense heat and, feeling very thirsty, tried to quench their thirst by drinking a large quantity of water in a very short time.
How can water harm you?
It is curious that water, a vital substance for human survival, can be somehow harmful to health. But this is what happens in the case of hyponatremia. “Every organism has a very strong regulation and the kidney plays a fundamental role. Ingesting a large amount of water in a short period of time means that it is not able to adapt this control”, warns cardiologist Dr. Rizzieri Gomes.
“The person ends up losing a large amount of sodium, which leads to a condition that can generate many complications. This is the case, for example, of nausea, muscle pain, cramps, mental confusion and other more serious complications such as cerebral edema and convulsions,” the expert emphasizes.
The phenomenon occurs when the concentration of sodium in the blood is lower than normal, that is, less than 135 mEq/L. Sodium is a mineral essential for the balance of body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Therefore, when it is lacking in the body, it can lead to serious consequences.
Causes, diagnosis and treatment
The cardiologist emphasizes that dilutional hyponatremia can occur especially in people who practice intense or prolonged physical activities, such as marathon runners or cyclists, who lose a lot of sodium through sweat and drink a lot of water without replacing electrolytes. In addition, it can also affect people who suffer from a psychiatric or metabolic disorder that leads them to drink water compulsively.
Hyponatremia may have other causes, such as excessive sodium loss through urine, sweat, or feces, the use of certain medications, kidney, heart, liver, or endocrine disease, or the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH (antidiuretic hormone), which causes the body to retain more water than necessary.
Diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation and blood tests to measure sodium and other electrolyte concentrations. Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but generally involves fluid restriction, oral or intravenous sodium replacement, correction of the underlying disease, and adjustment of therapy.
Sodium loss can cause kidney problems
Acute loss of large amounts of sodium can cause a drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury, warns Dr. Rizzeri. This can occur with severe diarrhea, severe vomiting, extensive burns, or bleeding.
In these cases, it is important to seek immediate medical attention and receive adequate hydration with isotonic solutions containing sodium and other minerals. Recovery of renal function depends on the severity of the injury and the time of renal reperfusion.
Preventing Hyponatremia
“The advice is to be careful, because intense heat normally requires hydration, but consuming large quantities in a short period of time carries the risk of complications. If exposed to heat, whether by practicing physical activity or even playing, in the case of children, it is advisable to have isotonic drinks available, those that contain carbohydrates, mineral salts (sodium, chloride and potassium) and vitamins, which can minimize this risk”, recommends the cardiologist.
Furthermore, the professional indicates some measures that can prevent the condition:
- Balance water consumption with isotonic drinks rich in electrolytes;
- Know your individual hydration needs;
- Do not drink too much water during intense physical activities;
- Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips and eyes, sore throat, constant feeling of thirst;
- Plan your hydration before you work out or face hot weather.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
