water overdose?

Question

how do you counter or do for a water overdose like the woman that die in a contest?

Answer 1

Funny you should ask, I was just reading about that. You can counter an overdose of water with saline, or salt.

What Happens During Water Intoxication?

When too much water enters the body's cells, the tissues swell with the excess fluid. Your cells maintain a specific concentration gradient, so excess water outside the cells (the serum) draws sodium from within the cells out into the serum in an attempt to re-establish the necessary concentration. As more water accumulates, the serum sodium concentration drops -- a condition known as hyponatremia. The other way cells try to regain the electrolyte balance is for water outside the cells to rush into the cells via osmosis. The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration is called osmosis. Although electrolytes are more concentrated inside the cells than outside, the water outside the cells is 'more concentrated' or 'less dilute' since it contains fewer electrolytes. Both electrolytes and water move across the cell membrane in an effort to balance concentration. Theoretically, cells could swell to the point of bursting.

From the cell's point of view, water intoxication produces the same effects as would result from drowning in fresh water. Electrolyte imbalance and tissue swelling can cause an irregular heartbeat, allow fluid to enter the lungs, and may cause fluttering eyelids. Swelling puts pressure on the brain and nerves, which can cause behaviors resembling alcohol intoxication. Swelling of brain tissues can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death unless water intake is restricted and a hypertonic saline (salt) solution is administered. If treatment is given before tissue swelling causes too much cellular damage, then a complete recovery can be expected within a few days.

Answer 2

I don't understand your question. Are you talking about a woman who drank so much water she died. I don't guess there's a way to counter it if she died. I mean if she can throw it up or something. I guess it was in her system though. It takes a lot of water to get to that point and so it's probably not a good thing to over do anything.

Answer 3

Drinking large amounts of fluid increases blood cell size and causes swelling. In her case it affected her brain. It also affects the amount of electrolytes in your system causing your nerves to be less reactive.

She should have not drank so much water. But to counter after drinking that much water would be vomiting out as much water as possible and start moving.

Answer 4

how much did this lady that died drink I mean I drink about 2-4 gallons of water a day. I mean I have never had a problem ever.

Answer 5

I'm guessing it involves having your stomach pumped and probably receiving a blood transfusion to reverse the dilution of your body fluids.

Answer 6

It causes the brain to swell. Either there was nothing they could in her case, or they didn't get her to the hospital in time. I do not know the details of the case.

Answer 7

make her vomit...give her enema...and for fun...and give her large dose of Vibrio cholerae..she'll get diarrhea like an expert.

Answer 8

don't worry this too shall pass