The condition in which there is imbalance between the water content and other electrolytes of the body is known as overhydration. It is also called water intoxication. In this condition, the total water content of the body becomes abnormal and this may cause life threatening situations such as inflammation of the cells in the brain and building of intracranial pressure. Eventually the normal blood flow that is sent to the brain gets blocked causing serious complications like seizure, coma and death.
Causes :
When the water you drink is not flushed out through the kidneys normally, there may be accumulation of water particles. Overhydration is caused when there is excess of water particles on the body and this can be due to several factors. Normally people can live healthy only if they take plenty of water but at the same time, the water consumed should be urinated well. Otherwise there is a risk of water intoxication in the body.
• Drinking Excess of Water
Drinking too much of water during contest can lead to this condition. Certain types of kidney disease can seriously affect the normal urinating process causing overhydration. Water intoxication can increase due to a syndrome by name SIADH (Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone). Any serious disease in the heart can trigger swelling of fluids in the body.
• Aging
Age plays a role in affecting the electrolyte in your blood causing imbalance which would eventually lead to overhydration.
• Decrease in Sodium level