Drinking Water Excessively, Hyponatremia May Result
Todays Health Article
Oct 25th 2010
Todays Article was brought to our attention by a past incident where by a person chose to go beyond the normal actions. Thinking or Not thinking that more is better, and deluged oneself, by drinking water excessively. Now knowing, this person put themselves in a very dangerous situation, and was hospitalized, and did recover. Not knowing the technical term of this condition, until now, which has now been several years ago, thought it was worthy of knowing.
Hyponatremia 
This is the medical term for this condition, in which your blood level of sodium is abnormally low. Sodium, is an electrolyte, which helps to regulate the water levels within the fluid thats in and around your cells.
In Hyponatremia, More Facts…
These facts… ranging from an ongoing medical condition, to excessive water intake during endurance sports, can cause sodium levels to drop. When this occurs, your body’s water levels tend to rise, your cells begin to swell, causing many health problems. These health problems may range from mild to severe.
Hyponatremia Treatment
First matter is resolving the underlying condition. This most likely will require more than reading this article and you seek immediate medical help. Again by obtaining professional medical attention, the understanding of the cause of hyponatremia, you may simply need to cut back on fluids. However, there are other cases of hyponatremia, requiring the need for intravenous fluids and medications.
Understanding signs and symptoms and when you Need to See a Doctor
Nausea and vomiting, Headache and Confusion, Lethargy, Fatigue and Appetite loss
Restlessness and irritability, Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, Seizures
Decreased consciousness or coma
Medical Note of Importance!
If you take part in high-intensity activities, such as marathons, have a known medical condition that would increases your risk of hyponatremia, or have other risk factors for hyponatremia and you exhibit these signs, consult with your Doctor before taking part in these activities.
Types of hyponatremia and Causes
Normal blood plasma contains between 136 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of sodium.
Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L.
The imbalance between sodium and water in your blood may occur in three primary ways:
- In hypervolemic hyponatremia, excess water dilutes the sodium concentration, and is commonly the result of kidney failure, heart failure or liver failure.
- In euvolemic hyponatremia, normal water levels are combined with low sodium levels and is commonly due to chronic health conditions, cancer or certain medications.
- In hypovolemic hyponatremia,your water and sodium levels are both low, occuring for example, when exercising in the heat without replenishing your fluid electrolytes or with marked blood loss.
Causes of Hyponatremia
Simply drinking too much water during exercise, to hormonal changes due to adrenal gland insufficiency, or an underactive thyroid. The use of Diuretics (Water Pills) or drinking of beer… Also certian medications can cause you to urinate often or perspire. If you have kidney problems, liver disease or heart problems, these can effect the fluids within your body as well.
Todays Health Comments
Although we may have never heard of this medical term, Hyponatremia, can be influenced by several factors, and a serious threat to our health.The following factors may impact the risk of hyponatremia. Our age is certainly a factor,having an increase in health diseases, and our diet. Those who, on low sodium diets, drink diuretic beverages,and drinking too much water, are at risk. Those people who experience exposure to hot weather and intense exercise…may also be in danger. Also to consult with your Doctor regarding symptoms and activities, and ask if any current medications, you may be taking, could increase your risk. This knowledge may save your life or others.
Further reading
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