How can water be toxic?
"Hyponatremia occurs when more water enters the body than it can process. The presence of so much water dilutes bodily fluids, creating a potentially dangerous shift in electrolyte balance. The excess water depletes sodium levels in extracellular fluid (fluid outside of cells). Sodium maintains blood pressure and nerve and muscle function.
When the sodium concentration in extracellular fluid drops, the cells start filling with water as the body attempts to balance the sodium levels inside the cells with falling levels outside the cells. This inflow of water causes the cells – including those in the brain – to swell. The central nervous system can also be affected." - Written by Dr. Becker, DVM
Symptoms of Water Intoxication
Water Intoxication: Too much of a Good Thing
The Danger of Water Intoxication
Beware of Water Intoxication
Pixie's Story about Delayed Drowning
"Hyponatremia occurs when more water enters the body than it can process. The presence of so much water dilutes bodily fluids, creating a potentially dangerous shift in electrolyte balance. The excess water depletes sodium levels in extracellular fluid (fluid outside of cells). Sodium maintains blood pressure and nerve and muscle function.
When the sodium concentration in extracellular fluid drops, the cells start filling with water as the body attempts to balance the sodium levels inside the cells with falling levels outside the cells. This inflow of water causes the cells – including those in the brain – to swell. The central nervous system can also be affected." - Written by Dr. Becker, DVM
Symptoms of Water Intoxication
- Staggering/loss of coordination
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dilated Pupils
- Glazed Eyes
- Light gum colour
- Excessive salvation
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal heart rate
- Collapse
- Coma
- Death
Water Intoxication: Too much of a Good Thing
The Danger of Water Intoxication
Beware of Water Intoxication
Pixie's Story about Delayed Drowning
