Excessive water consumption during prolonged episodes of sweating, as is often seen with endurance activities, can lead to hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a metabolic condition, where an imbalance develops between the ratio of water and sodium in the body. The water intake basically dilutes your sodium content, which can lead to serious health complications.
Water
During lengthy periods of exercise, you tend to lose a significant amount of fluid in your sweat. At the same time, however, you're also secreting electrolytes, including sodium. As you drink water, you're obviously replenishing the lost fluids, but not sodium, which can eventually dilute the sodium content of your blood to the point of hyponatremia --- also known as exertional hyponatremia.
Symptoms
Most people experiencing hyponatremia are asymptomatic, warns the American Academy of Family Physicians. It isn't until sodium drops below 120 mEq/L that symptoms occur. At this point, you may begin to experience nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue and irritability. It's also possible to suffer from muscle weakness, muscle cramps, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Complications
With exertional hyponatremia, which is more likely to be acute in nature, leaving the imbalance between water and sodium can be dangerous. The lack of sodium in the body causes excess water to move into your cells. This can cause tissue to swell. If this swelling occurs in your brain, it may result in coma or even death. Treatment is necessary to correct the problem.
Treatment
For some people, acute hyponatremia requires administering intravenous fluid. The fluid contains high levels of sodium, which can help increase this electrolyte in the body and minimize inflammation of bodily tissue. Fluids are administered at 1 to 2 mmol per L per hour, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. At the same time, your doctor may give you a medication to alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition.
Prevention
Instead of drinking water during prolonged periods of exercise, use a sports drink to replenish your fluids. These products contain electrolytes, which can prevent the dilution of sodium in the body. If, however, sports drinks aren't handy, only drink as much fluids as you lose, advises MayoClinic.com. No more than 30 oz. of water each hour of exertion is recommended.
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