Water Intoxication Case in Hiker

While emphasis is often placed on keeping athletes and outdoor enthusiasts properly hydrated, too much water can be just as dangerous. Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), a form of water intoxication, results in an extreme, and potentially fatal, sodium imbalance.In the latest issue of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, investigators detail the case of a hiker who died as an illustration of the potential danger of endurance exercise and excessive water intake lowering serum sodium to a dangerous level. There have been several deaths from EAH associated with various sports. This is one of few reported fatalities due to EAH in a wilderness setting.The study details the death of a 47-year-old female hiker who passed out after a 10 km hike on the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park in 2008. Over a five-hour period, the woman consumed a large amount of water but ate very little food. She collapsed approximately an hour after finishing the hike. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, the patient was pronounced dead 19 hours later from cerebral edema brought on by water intoxication.As outdoor endurance recreation grows in popularity, so does the risk of EAH. Early symptoms of EAH often mimic dehydration and include nausea, vomiting, malaise, and headache. If left untreated, the condition can lead to an altered mental status, seizures, and death. Unfortunately, many practitioners have difficulty recognizing the condition and treating it appro...
Source: The A and P Professor - Category: Physiology Authors: Source Type: blogs