Water intoxication

Water intoxication (also known as hyper-hydration or water poisoning) is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside of safe limits by over-consumption of वाटर ।Normal, healthy (both physically and nutritionally) individuals have little reason to worry about accidentally consuming too much water. Nearly all deaths related to water intoxication in normal individuals have resulted either from water drinking contests, in which individuals attempt to consume high amounts of water, or long bouts of intensive exercise during which electrolytes are not properly replenished, yet excessive amounts of fluid are still consumed.

Gastroenteritis, particularly in infants and children

The severe diarrhea and vomiting associated with gastroenteritis can result in very large electrolyte losses. Gastroenteritis due to infectious agents (primarily rotavirus), is a major cause of infant and child death. Management of gastroenteritis requires replacing water and electrolytes in proportions that avoid both dehydration and water intoxication. Drinking water will replace lost water and avoid a dehydration, but if the person is unable to take any other drink or food then lost electrolytes will not be replaced, which can result in water intoxication. Replacement fluids for vomiting and diarrhea should be properly balanced to make them isotonic with the fluids lost in these conditions. Special formulations exist for oral rehydration therapy in these cases।

Low body mass (infants)

It can be very easy for children under 1 year old to absorb too much water, especially if the child is under nine months old। Because of their small body mass, it is easy to take in a large amount of water relative to body mass.

Endurance स्पोर्ट्स

Marathon runners are susceptible to water intoxication if they drink too much while running. This is caused when sodium levels drop below 135 mmol/L when athletes consume large amounts of fluid. This has been noted to be the result of the encouragement of excessive fluid replacement by various guidelines. This has largely been identified in marathon runners as a dilutional hyponatremia. Medical personnel at marathon events are trained to immediately suspect water intoxication when runners collapse or show signs of confusion.

Overexertion and heat stress

Any activity or situation that promotes heavy sweating can lead to water intoxication when water is consumed to replace lost fluids. Persons working in extreme heat and/or humidity for long periods must take care to drink and eat in ways that help to maintain electrolyte balance. People using drugs such as MDMA ("Ecstasy") may overexert themselves, perspire heavily, and then drink large amounts of water to rehydrate, leading to electrolyte imbalance and water intoxication। Even people who are resting quietly in extreme heat or humidity may run the risk of water intoxication if they drink large amounts of water over short periods for rehydration.

Psychiatric conditions

Psychogenic polydipsia is the psychiatric condition in which patients feel compelled to drink large quantities of water, thus putting them at risk of water intoxication. This condition can be especially dangerous if the patient also exhibits other psychiatric indications (as is often the case), as his or her care-takers might misinterpret the hyponatremic symptoms.

Medical conditions

Many disorders can affect electrolyte balance, especially disorders of the किद्नेय्स Diuretic therapy, mineralocorticoid deficiency, osmotic diuresis (as in the hyperglycemia of uncontrolled diabetes), and the multiple disorders associated with AIDS are other common causes of electrolyte imbalance, although they do not always produce water इन्तोक्सिकाशन।

Iatrogenic

When an unconscious person is being fed intravenously (for example, total parenteral nutrition or via a nasogastric tube) the fluids given must be carefully balanced in composition to match fluids and electrolytes lost. These fluids are typically hypertonic, and so water is often co-administered. If the electrolytes are not monitored (even in an ambulatory patient) either hypernatremia or hyponatremia may result.
Some neurological/psychiatric medications (Oxcarbazepine, among others) have been found to cause hyponatremia in some patients[citation needed]. Patients with diabetes insipidus are particularly vulnerable due to rapid fluid processing.

Treatment

Mild intoxication may remain asymptomatic and require only fluid restriction. In more severe cases, treatment consists of:
Diuretics to increase urination, which are most effective for excess blood volume
Vasopressin receptor अन्तागोनिस्ट्स

प्रेवेंशन

Water intoxication can be prevented if a person's intake of water does not grossly exceed his or her losses,[citation needed]. Healthy kidneys are able to excrete approximately 1 liter of fluid per hour. However, stress (from prolonged physical exertion), as well as disease states, can greatly reduce this amount.
Sports drinks are popular among athletes because they provide electrolytes to support extended exercise. However most sports drinks are hypotonic and do not contain enough electrolytes to balance excessive intake. Additionally, most contain excessive sugars, which predispose to diarrhea. And most omit starches, though starches are superior for achieving hydration.
Water intoxication should not be confused with dehydration, a loss of fluids (with decreased, normal, or increased electrolytes). However, drinking to satisfy one's thirst prevents both conditions .[citation needed