Water Intoxication Kills
Posted on 30 May 2011 by LynThomas in Health, Society
Water poisoning, also known as or hyper-hydration, as opposed to dehydration, can create fatal disturbances in brain functions. Death occurs from water poisoning when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body are pushed beyond safe limits, by over-consumption of water.
Artist Andy Warhol is believed to have died from a cardiac arrhythimia, which his family claimed was a result of water intoxication from being overloaded with fluids after routine gallbladder surgery.
A Sacramento radio station held a contest to see how much water the contestants could consume without going to the bathroom. A nurse rang and warned the station, but they would not listen. The winner survived, but was very sick. The 2nd place winner, Jennifer Strange, died from water poisoning, leaving three small children behind. The Strange family were awarded $16.5 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Persons working in extreme heat or humidity for long periods must take care to drink and eat in ways that help to maintain electrolyte balance. Even people who are resting quietly may run the risk of water intoxication, if they drink large amounts of water over short periods for rehydration.
The United States Air Force altered its basic recruit training programme after a trainee, Michael J. Schindler died of heat stroke, severely complicated by water intoxication, following a 5.8 mile march, in 1999.
In June 2002, 4-year-old Cassandra Killpack of Springville, Utah died as a result of water poisoning after her parents force-fed her as much as 3.8 liters of water as a punishment. Her mother, Jennette Killpack, was convicted of child abuse homicide.
In 2002 Cynthia Lucero died after participating in the Boston Marathon. Medical personnel at marathon events are trained to suspect water intoxication immediately a runner collapses, or shows signs of confusion.
In 2008, Jacqueline Henson, a 40-year-old British woman, died after drinking four liters of water in under two hours as part of her LighterLife diet plan.
People using drugs such as Ecstasy may overexert themselves, perspire heavily and then drink large quantities of water to rehydrate, leading to water intoxication.
International Sports Sciences Association produced a guide line of water required by a healthy person:
Need Factors:
0.5 — Sedentary no sports or training
0.6 — Jogger or light fitness training
0.7 — Sports participation or moderate training 3 times a week
0.8 — Moderate daily weight training or aerobic training
0.9 — Heavy weight training daily
1.0 — Heavy weight training daily plus sports training or “2-a-day” training
Multiply weight (in pounds) by the need factor for the recommended water intake per day.
Example 1 120 pounds x 0.6 = 72 ounces per day
Example 2 200 pounds x 0.7 =140 ounces per day
It is recommended to drink water, or non-caffeinated liquids eight to twelve times per day.
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