Overhydration
Overhydration
Overhydration (pronounced: oh-ver-hi-dray-shun), also known as Water Intoxication or Water Poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the excessive intake of water, leading to an imbalance in the body's electrolyte levels.
Etymology
The term "Overhydration" is derived from the prefix 'over-', meaning 'too much', and 'hydration', which comes from the Greek word 'hydor' meaning 'water'. Thus, it literally means 'too much water'.
Definition
Overhydration occurs when the body takes in or retains more water than its kidneys can excrete. This can dilute the electrolytes in the blood, particularly sodium, which maintains the balance of fluids inside and outside of cells. When sodium levels in the body are low, extra water can enter the cells causing them to swell, a condition known as Hyponatremia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of overhydration can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
Causes
Overhydration can be caused by drinking too much water, especially during strenuous exercise or in hot weather. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as Heart Failure, Liver Disease, or Kidney Disease, or from the use of certain medications.
Treatment
Treatment for overhydration typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include reducing fluid intake, adjusting medication dosages, or treating any underlying medical conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Overhydration
- Wikipedia's article - Overhydration
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