What is Water Intoxication?
Water intoxication is a disease caused by abnormal metabolic function of the body, which is mainly related to the amount of drinking water consumed by individuals in their daily lives. Eating too much of anything in daily life is not beneficial to the body. The cause of water intoxication is excessive water intake, which can lead to renal failure, insufficient drainage system, electrolyte imbalance, and excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone, thus causing water intoxication in the body. Surgical procedures may be required to drain the water and alleviate the intoxication.
1. Excessive Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone
Excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone can lead to water intoxication. Many patients experience excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone after stimuli such as excessive blood loss, shock, or surgery. This hormone typically persists for 12 to 36 hours after surgery. In such cases, if patients receive excessive injections of substances such as glucose that do not contain electrolytes, they are susceptible to water intoxication. Additionally, patients with hypothyroidism may also experience excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone under such stressful conditions.
2. Renal Dysfunction
Renal dysfunction can also lead to water intoxication. In patients with acute renal failure who have oliguria or anuria, the diluting function of the kidneys is impaired. If excessive water is administered during this time, it can easily lead to water intoxication. Additionally, if the patient has insufficient renal blood flow or reduced glomerular blood perfusion, leading to the inability to excrete water, water intoxication can easily occur.
3. Water and Sodium Metabolic Disorder
Water and sodium metabolic disorder is also a cause of water intoxication. In patients with hyponatremia, the extracellular fluid is in a hypotonic state. The body compensates for this through metabolic mechanisms, increasing the absorption of water and sodium by the renal tubules. If excessive water is ingested, it can lead to water intoxication or cellular dehydration. Rapid absorption of inorganic salts can also contribute to water intoxication.
4. Insufficient Drainage Function
If a patient has insufficient drainage function and consumes unlimited amounts of water, it can lead to water accumulation in the body. In patients with severe heart failure, the circulating volume decreases, and the renal drainage function is also weakened. If excessive water is ingested during this time, it can increase the burden on the body and lead to water intoxication.
5. Hypotonic Dehydration
Some patients may also experience hypotonic dehydration, which can also lead to water intoxication. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals consume moderate amounts of salted water during the summer to help maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
