According to one report, a soldier who received an incorrect diagnosis of dehydration and heat stroke died from water intoxication as a result of rehydration efforts. The symptoms of hyponatremia can be misinterpreted as those of dehydration. These deaths were associated with drinking more than 5 liters of water in just a few hours. Their blood sodium levels were 115–130 mmol/l, while the normal range is 135–145 mmol/l.Īccording to another report, three soldiers died due to hyponatremia and cerebral edema. One medical report described 17 soldiers who developed hyponatremia after drinking too much water during training. The runner then developed water on the brain, known as hydrocephalus, and a hernia in his brain stem, which caused his death. One case involved a runner who had collapsed after a marathon.īecause he was improperly rehydrated, his sodium levels fell below 130 mmol/l.

Instances of water intoxication at these events have resulted in death. It can happen if a person drinks a lot of water without correctly accounting for electrolyte losses.įor this reason, hyponatremia often occurs during major sporting events.Īs the authors of one study report, out of 488 participants in the 2002 Boston Marathon, 13% had hyponatremia symptoms, and 0.6% had critical hyponatremia, with sodium levels of less than 120 mmol/l.

Water intoxication is particularly common among endurance athletes. Water intoxication most commonly affects people participating in sporting events or endurance training, or people who have various mental health conditions. However, it can happen - there have been numerous medical reports of death due to excessive water intake. Water intoxication is rare, and it is very difficult to consume too much water by accident.

Consumption synonyms