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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Admitted To Hospital Due To Nausea, Vomitting, Vertigo After Drinking Large Amount Of Water. Correct Amount Of Water Intake?

I am a healthy 60 year old female. ater consumption has never been a part of my routine. Recently, during a hospital visit,
I was told that I was dehydrated. The truth is, I have been told this several times, however, I never have a thirst.
Recently, I sufferred heat exhaustion, sweated profusely, and was drinking large amounts of water. I felt fine. It wasn't
untl noon the next day that nausea hit, then vomiting, then vertigo, severe vertigo. I was ambulanced to the hospital, given IV
fluids, and meds for nausea and vertigo. Home I went, and have been most aware of drinking water all throughout the day.
At my follow up apt. with my PCP, blood was drawn, and I was told that I have a low sodium content, and that I had
been drinking too much water. I don't feel well and now, heat bothers me more than it used to. I have 2 questions. First, how much water do I really need, and second, how long does it take to recoop from the effects of low sodium?
posted on Mon, 8 Jul 2013
Twitter Mon, 8 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 8 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

On an average day a person loses water through perspiration, urine, breath and bowel movements hence it is required that body should be replenished with water for it to function properly. Per day a person should consume approximately 8 – 9 glass of water (approx. 2.5 liters). In your case you should consume less than 2.5 liters (approx. 1.5 liters).

Regarding low sodium i.e. hyponatremia is defined as serum sodium less than 130 meq/L, though it is rarely symptomatic till these levels fall below 120 meq/L.
Diarrhea and vomiting are the commonest cause of hyponatremia.
Clinically symptomatic hyponatremia presents with altered sensorium, seizure, hypotension and shock.

Treatment of asymptomatic hyponatremia requires no specific correction except fluid restriction whereas symptomatic or severe hyponatremia i.e. less than 120 meq/L should be treated with intravenous NaCl.

Hope that answers your query.

Take care :)
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Admitted To Hospital Due To Nausea, Vomitting, Vertigo After Drinking Large Amount Of Water. Correct Amount Of Water Intake?

Hi, Thanks for your query. On an average day a person loses water through perspiration, urine, breath and bowel movements hence it is required that body should be replenished with water for it to function properly. Per day a person should consume approximately 8 – 9 glass of water (approx. 2.5 liters). In your case you should consume less than 2.5 liters (approx. 1.5 liters). Regarding low sodium i.e. hyponatremia is defined as serum sodium less than 130 meq/L, though it is rarely symptomatic till these levels fall below 120 meq/L. Diarrhea and vomiting are the commonest cause of hyponatremia. Clinically symptomatic hyponatremia presents with altered sensorium, seizure, hypotension and shock. Treatment of asymptomatic hyponatremia requires no specific correction except fluid restriction whereas symptomatic or severe hyponatremia i.e. less than 120 meq/L should be treated with intravenous NaCl. Hope that answers your query. Take care :)