American woman has died after drinking around two liters of water in just 20 minutes after horrid heatwave conditions, as per doctors. As per report, Woman named Ashley, She was holidaying with her family comprising her husband and two daughters at Lake Freeman in Indiana when she felt dehydrated due to high heat.
After drinking water, she reportedly felt dizzy and complain of headache, and was later found unconscious in a public toilet.
Ashley was then taken to the hospital but found dead.
Doctors say her death was due to water toxicity, a condition cause when one drinks excessive amounts of water in a short period of time, and such cases can be fatal.
What is Water Toxicity?
Water Toxicity is also known as water intoxication, water toxicity happens when a person consumes too much water in a shorter period or if the kidneys retain excessive water due to underlying health conditions.
As per doctors, water toxicity causes disruption of brain function, which increases the amount of water in the blood.
This can dilute the electrolytes, especially sodium, in the blood.
If sodium levels go below 135 millimoles per liter, it is known as hyponatremia.
Sodium helps maintain the balance of fluids inside and outside cells, and when the levels drop due to excessive water consumption, fluids travel from the outside to the inside of cells, causing them to swell.
When this happens to brain cells, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Symptoms of Water Toxicity
As per report, consuming excessive water creates pressure inside the skull, causing the following symptoms :
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakening and cramps
- Increased blood pressure
- Double vision
- Confusion
- Breathlessness
Causes of Water Toxicity?
Even though it is a rare phenomenon, water intoxication commonly affects people participating in sporting events or endurance training, or people who have various mental health conditions.
As per studies, compulsive water drinking, known as psychogenic polydipsia, is a symptom of various mental health conditions, most common among people suffering from schizophrenia.
2YoDoINDIA Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mention in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
