Hyponatremia occurs when there are low levels of sodium in the blood, caused by too much water. The condition can lead to death
Hyponatremia is the reduction of sodium concentration 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 levels below those indicated.
Until then, the condition was little known. However, two recent cases have brought attention to the problem. The first involves a boy who had to be hospitalized after consuming six bottles of water in a very short period.
In the second, whose outcome was tragic, a woman also died after consuming too much water too quickly. In common in the two reported situations, both had been carrying out outdoor activities for some time in an intensely hot climate and, feeling very thirsty, tried to quench their thirst by drinking a large quantity of water in a very short time.
How can water be bad for you?
It is curious, in fact, that water, a vital substance for human survival, can be in some way harmful to health. But this is what happens in 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, causing a condition that can generate many complications. This is the case, for example, of nausea, muscle pain, cramps, mental confusion and other more serious ones such as cerebral edema and convulsions”, underlines the specialist.
The phenomenon occurs when the sodium concentration in the blood is lower than normal, i.e. lower than 135 mEq/L. Sodium is an essential mineral for the balance of body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Therefore, its deficiency in the body can lead to serious consequences.
Causes, diagnosis and treatment
The cardiologist points out that dilutional hyponatremia can occur especially in people who engage in intense or prolonged physical activity, such as marathon runners or cyclists, who lose a lot of sodium through sweat and drink a lot of water without replenishing electrolytes. Furthermore, 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 stool, the use of certain medications, kidney, heart, liver, or endocrine disease, or syndrome of inappropriate ADH (antidiuretic hormone) secretion, which causes the body to retain more water than necessary.
The diagnosis is made based on medical evaluation and blood tests to measure the concentration of sodium and other electrolytes. 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. The situation can occur in case of severe diarrhea, intense vomiting, extensive burns or bleeding.
In these cases it is important to immediately contact your doctor and receive adequate hydration with isotonic solutions that contain sodium and other minerals. Recovery of renal function depends on the severity of the injury and the renal reperfusion time.
Prevent hyponatremia
“The advice is to be careful, because intense heat normally requires hydration, but consuming large quantities in a short period of time involves risks of complications. In case of exposure to heat, whether practicing physical activity or even playing, in the case of children, it is advisable to have isotonic drinks available, those which contain in their composition 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 ingest 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 to hydrate before exercising or heading into 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.
