Water is essential for survival — but drinking too much of it, especially too quickly, can be harmful.
Water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of water within a short time, leading to low sodium levels in the blood and swelling of cells.
The sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low due to excessive water intake, leading to a fluid imbalance and affecting the body cells.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and bloating while severe symptoms may include confusion, seizure, brain damage, coma and death.
With high temperatures being experienced at this time of the year, many people risk over hydrating in their attempt to stay cool.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has already warned that the heat season — typically between February and April — comes with high temperatures, humidity, and dryness, particularly in the northern parts of the country.
Health experts say these conditions pose severe health risks.
To stay hydrated, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily fluid intake of 2.7 litres for women and 3.7 litres for men, spread throughout the day.
However, reports say drinking too much water at once can overwhelm the kidneys, which can only process 0.8 to 1 liter per hour.
A medical professional at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr. Nnenna Otta said athletes, people engaged in strenuous activities, and children are particularly vulnerable to water intoxication.
Dr. Otta further highlighted possible treatment of the ailment.
“Children are more prone to water intoxication because their kidneys are still developing, and they may struggle to regulate excess water.
They tend to drink water more frequently even when they are not thirsty. Their caregiver should ensure they drink an appropriate amount of water without excessive force feeding.
“For mild cases, what we need to do is to reduce the water intake and then allow the kidneys to restore its balance but for severe cases, IV sodium infusion is necessary to correct sodium levels gradually. It is also good for the individual to receive what we call diuretics, that we have to remove excess water from the body of this patient.” She explained.
Also, Abuja-based Neurologist, Dr. Cyril Okpata, explained that while hyponatremia from drinking water alone is rare, it could happen especially in individuals with psychological conditions who drink water compulsively.
“Hyponatremia is usually associated with brain trauma, stroke, or other brain-related injuries. It is rare for someone to develop hyponatremia from drinking water alone, especially in hot environments.”
Some FCT residents expressed their views on the issue.
Festus Osagie said his first experience was after a football match when his friend almost choked to death after gulping excessive water too fast.
“I was shocked when my friend collapsed immediately and I thought it was a cardiac arrest. thank God for the health team that were on ground to apply CPR on him.”
For Julius Ibikunle, “I was a victim of water intoxication. After having my usual reps at the gym and still panting profusely, I hurriedly drank water. I could not breath as I struggled to grasp for breath. That incident left me with a very terrible cough for 2 years”
While Moses Lawal said his father advised him never to gulp water too fast because it will lead him to his death.
However, Ms. Funmibi Daniels, admitted she was unaware of the dangers of water intoxication.
“Sometimes, I’ll be like I’ve not taken enough water for the day and I must have taken about four litres. I’m just hearing that there are disadvantages of excessive intake of water. We need to know more about this because I never knew.” She exclaimed.
Ms Daniels appealed to health authorities and the National Orientation Agency to educate Nigerians on proper water intake and the risks of over hydration.
