On television, on billboards, on the radio… Everywhere, there are recommendations encouraging us to drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated during very hot days. However, drinking too much water can also be dangerous and cause hyponatremia. What is it about ? Who are the people concerned? What precautions should be taken to avoid hyponatremia?
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The risk of dehydration is well known to the general public. When it’s hot, you have to drink before you feel thirsty. However, in some people, drinking too much water can trigger a hyponatremia. This is a decrease in the concentration of salt in the blood. A hyponatremia results either from an excess of water in relation to salt intake (sodium), or too much salt loss compared to water loss.
Who is at risk for hyponatremia?
Certain populations are more at risk:
- The elderly: they sweat less and will find it difficult to compensate for too much water intake by sweat.
- People affected by chronic illnesses: renal failure, heart failureHepatic insufficiency, respiratory failure, cancer…
- People undergoing treatment: certain medications can promote hyponatremia (diuretics, neuroleptics, antidepressants).
What are the warning signs?
The symptoms of hyponatremia are the following: severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, possibly snoring. In patients with heart and liver failure, edema can occur. In the most severe cases of hyponatremia, lethargy, confusion, or even seizures or one coma can be observed.
To diagnose hyponatremia, a blood test and measure the level of sodium in the blood (natremia).
What are the recommendations to avoid hyponatremia?
The recommendations mainly concern populations at risk. The bodies of healthy people are normally able to deal with excess water through perspiration or urine.
People at risk should not be made to drink too much: no more than 1.5 liters per day. Food also provides water. Meals should remain varied and normally salty. In case of strong heat, it is recommended to regularly wet people’s skin and place them near a fan to promote artificial sweating. Finally, it is of course necessary to avoid going out between noon and 4 p.m. on busy days. heat wave.
If the person takes diuretics or has a low-sodium diet, these must be reassessed during periods of high heat, taking into account this risk of hyponatremia.
What is the treatment for hyponatremia?
Thanks to an infusion, sodium will be gradually injected into the blood to restore normal sodium levels. If the hyponatremia is severe, it may be a life-threatening emergency.
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