Although drinking-related deaths usually involve alcohol, sometimes water is the fatal fluid.
Excessive water intake sometimes causes imbalances of certain ionized salts in the blood, which can lead to serious symptoms, including paralysis. Talk to your doctor about how an adequate balance of electrolytes is acquired through proper diet and other measures.
Causes
Hyponatremia, is the most common of the many types of electrolyte disorders in the U.S., according to MedlinePlus. The term "hyponatremia" literally means "insufficient salt in the blood," a condition that occurs when sodium levels become abnormally low. This can be the result of drinking too much water during exercise, excessive sweating, liver cirrhosis, chronic diarrhea, burns, heart failure and hormonal changes. Users of both illicit and prescription drugs are also at risk.
Paralysis
A person who seems confused or experiences hallucinations could be suffering from hyponatremia. Fatigue, convulsions, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and nausea are additional signs, although symptoms aren't always present. In severe cases, a person with the disorder will have brain swelling, which can lead to brain damage, paralysis and even death.
Diagnosis/Treatment
A physical examination and laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests, help doctors diagnose electrolyte imbalances that may lead to paralysis. Chronic hyponatremia, which occurs slowly and is less severe, is often treatable with diet modifications or changes in medications to increase your sodium blood levels. More serious cases require intravenous fluids or medications.
Prevention
Some people can prevent hyponatremia and paralysis by treating the underlying condition, drinking water in moderation or sipping sports beverages in place of water. Good indicators of proper fluid intake is thirst and urine color. Urine should be pale in color, not dark or clear. Knowing and reporting the symptoms to your doctor is also significant. When symptoms develop over a period of 48 hours or less, the risk of damage is greater because brain cells do not have time to adjust to changes.
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