A well-known fact about the body is that it is made up of 60% of water. Water plays a huge role in the function of the human body.
According to an article, “The Water in You: Water and the Human Body,” published by Water Science School, the brain and heart are 73% water, the lungs are 83% water, skin is 64% water, the muscles and kidneys are 79% water, and bones are 31% water.
It is recommended for males to consume roughly 3 liters and females 2 liters of water on a daily basis. An additional 3 to 4 liters may need to be consumed to replenish and hydrate your body if you exercise. If your body is not properly hydrated it can lead to dehydration. In rare cases, you can flood your system with too much water and become hyponatremia.
What is Dehydration
When your organs are deprived of fluids and unable to properly function your body is dehydrated. Not only is water imperative for your body to function normally, but so are electrolytes. The body needs a certain amount of water to electrolyte ratio to work adequately.
To upset the balance between water and electrolytes can lead to experiencing symptoms of dehydration. Fluid excretion can tip the scales through sweating, breathing, and urination. The three most common causes of dehydration are sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Depending on how the scale dips, there are three types of dehydration.
Types of Dehydration
Isotonic Dehydration
Both water and sodium levels are low. Your body has lost an equal amount of water and electrolytes.
Signs and Symptoms of Isotonic Dehydration
Decreased blood pressure
Central venous pressure (blood flow to and from the heart)
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Central nervous system ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the brain)
Oliguria (reduced urination)
Dry mucous membranes (dry nose)
Dry skin
Reduced skin turgor
Hypovolemic shock (severe cases)
Hypertonic (Hypernatremia) Dehydration
The concentration of sodium is much higher than the volume of water in your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypertonic Dehydration
Extreme thirst
Dark urine
Decrease in urination
Tiredness/Restlessness
Dry Skin
Headaches
Lightheadedness/Dizziness
Fatigue
Confusion
Muscle Twitches/Cramps
Low blood pressure
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures (severe cases)
Coma or Death (extreme cases)
Hypotonic Dehydration
The concentration of sodium is much lower than the volume of water in your body.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypertonic Dehydration
Tiredness/Sluggishness
Confusion
Muscle Twitches/Cramps
Poor kidney function
Decrease in urination
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Low blood pressure (severe cases)
Bluish skin (severe cases)
Weak pulse (severe cases)
Seizures (severe cases)
Shock (severe cases)
Coma or Death (extreme cases)
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
Confusion
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Fatigue
Dark urine
Decrease in urination
Muscle Twitches/Cramps
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Low blood pressure (severe cases)
Bluish skin (severe cases)
Weak pulse (severe cases)
Treatment for Dehydration
Replenish your body with water and electrolytes. Some options include electrolyte energy gels, sports drinks with electrolytes or drinking water, and consuming foods with sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium. Drinking juice or pop may lead to or worsen symptoms of diarrhea.
What is Hyponatremia
When your body has an excess amount of water in relation to the concentration of sodium, your body experiences hyponatremia. The body needs electrolytes to regulate the amount of water in your body. When these levels become too low, your body becomes overwhelmed with too much water.
A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L.
Fluid excretion can tip the scales through sweating, breathing, and urination. The common causes of hyponatremia are sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and drinking too much water without replenishing electrolytes. There are four types of hyponatremia.
In an article, “Cost of Illness of Hyponatremia in the United States,” published by NCBI, a study was conducted to determine the annual cost to treat patients with hyponatremia. A study in 2002, estimates 3.16 million to 6.07 million people are treated for hyponatremia in the US annually.
Types of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can be declared as chronic or acute.
Acute Hyponatremia
Acute hyponatremia is when the sodium levels drop rapidly.
Symptomatic or Asymptomatic
According to the article, “Cost of Illness of Hyponatremia in the United States,” an estimated 1% of patients were classified as having acute and symptomatic hyponatremia and 4% were classified as acute and asymptomatic.
Sign and Symptoms of Acute Hyponatremia
Symptoms of CNS dysfunction
Impaired taste sensation
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Weakness
Confusion
Delirium
Brain swelling
Seizures (severe cases)
Coma/Death (extreme cases)
Chronic Hyponatremia
Chronic hyponatremia is when the sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer.
Symptomatic or Asymptotic
According to the article, “Cost of Illness of Hyponatremia in the United States,” an estimated 15% - 20% of patients were classified as having chronic and symptomatic hyponatremia, and 75% - 80% were classified as chronic and asymptomatic.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Hyponatremia
Attention-deficit
Lethargy
Restlessness
Disorientation
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle cramps
Falls
Gait abnormalities
Depressed neural reflexes
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Headache
Confusion
Loss of energy/Drowsiness/Fatigue
Restlessness and irritability
Muscle weakness/Spasms/Cramps
Seizures
Loss of consciousness/Coma
If you experience any of the following symptoms and believe you are at risk of being dehydrated or hyponatremia, seek medical help immediately. A doctor will check your sodium levels to determine what type of dehydration you have before conducting any next steps. If you are hyponatremia, a doctor will probably order a urine test and run blood tests.
Treatment for Hyponatremia
Replenish your body with electrolytes and temporarily cut back on the amount of fluids you are consuming so your electrolyte to water ratio can balance out. For individuals with acute hyponatremia, a doctor may recommend an IV sodium solution to gradually increase your sodium levels. Medication may be prescribed by a doctor to help manage any signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.
