In what comes as a shocking incident, a 74-year-old man in the US was hospitalized after he consumed 3 gallons of water. He was working on a hot summer day in June with mercury surpassing 37.7'C. This resulted in him feeling so thirsty that he couldn't stop himself from gulping down three gallons of water within 5 hours. Due to this, he was taken to the hospital with heart attack-like symptoms.

Soon after he consumed the water, he started feeling nausea, fatigue, chest pain and had trouble breathing. This is not the first time that water intoxication has led to something so extreme. Earlier, a woman from Indiana died after intake of 64 ounces of water in 20 minutes.

But what is water poisoning? Let's understand better.

What Is Water Poisoning?

Water poisoning occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of water in a short period. This disrupts the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly sodium. Sodium plays a critical role in regulating water levels within and around cells. When water intake exceeds the kidneys' ability to excrete it, the sodium in the blood becomes diluted, leading to a condition called hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia results in water moving into cells, causing them to swell. This swelling can become dangerous when it occurs in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure, which can result in symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death.

Symptoms and Risks

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Confusion and disorientation

As the condition worsens, more severe symptoms may develop, such as:

• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Increased blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Seizures

In extreme cases, water poisoning can lead to brain herniation which is often fatal.

Preventive Measures

• Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a natural indicator of the body's need for water. Drink when you are thirsty, but avoid overhydration.
• Monitor Intake: Especially during physical activities, monitor your water intake. Spread your water consumption throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once.
• Balance Electrolytes: In situations that require high water intake, such as endurance sports, consider beverages that contain electrolytes to help maintain balance.
• Educate and Be Aware: Understanding the symptoms and risks of water intoxication is crucial. This knowledge is especially important for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals in hot climates.

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