Hyperhydration – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

Hyperhydration means too much water in the human body. Basically, three forms are distinguished from each other, which are characterized by their respective sodium content or their sodium level.

These three forms are, on the one hand, hypertonic hydration, in which, in addition to excess water in the body, there is also too much sodium in the blood, which is normally absorbed primarily in the form of salt through food. The result is a loss of function of the red blood cells. And since these are responsible for the transport of oxygen in the body, an acute lack of oxygen is the result.

The second form of hyperhydration is the so-called hypotonic hydration, in which there is too little sodium in the blood. This can lead to venous congestion and the development of edema. In the third form, isotonic hydration, the sodium level is completely normal, but more and more water is stored in the body.

causes

Each of the three forms of hyperhydration also has its own cause. Hypertonic hydration is often caused by renal insufficiency , i.e. a restricted function of the kidneys, since this is responsible, among other things, for the regulation of the sodium balance, which then becomes imbalanced. But drinking salt water or overinfusing saline solutions can also trigger hypertonic hydration.Hypotonic hydration can also be caused by a failure of the kidneys , as they can no longer properly process and excrete the water ingested. They also occur when, for example, a large loss of fluids (e.g. due to diarrhea , vomiting or heavy sweating ) is compensated for by drinking low-salt fluids.

Isotonic hydration, on the other hand, is caused by increased water retention in the body. This happens, for example, as a result of cardiac insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver . Another cause is overhydration as a result of infusion therapy, i.e. if the body is given too much liquid in too short a time.

When to the doctor?

Unusual weight gain, possibly associated with fatigue and seizures, suggests overhydration. Anyone who feels ill and exhausted for no apparent reason should consult a doctor immediately. Other warning signs that must be medically clarified include shortness of breath, tachycardia, impaired consciousness, confusion and the characteristic water retention.

If panic attacks occur later on, it is best to consult the emergency doctor immediately. Since overhydration cannot be clearly recognized as such by those affected, a medical examination and treatment is required in any case.

If this happens early, major complications can usually be prevented. However, if the disease is left untreated, it will inevitably lead to kidney failure. It is advisable to have overhydration treated in the acute stage. The doctor will usually administer electrolytes and thereby gently reduce the water deposits. After the initial treatments, further check-ups are indicated. In addition, a diet should be sought together with the doctor or a nutritionist in order to reduce the risk of hyperhydration again.

symptoms

Typical symptoms of overhydration:

• Payment

• swelling

• exhaustion

• tachycardia

• seizures

• shortness of breath

• disturbances of consciousness

• weight gain

diagnosis and course

The diagnosis of any form of overhydration is made by analyzing the blood values. The doctor quickly recognizes whether the sodium levels in the blood are high or too low. If the cause is merely a temporary undersupply or oversupply of sodium, this has no serious consequences if treated quickly.

However, if this treatment is not carried out, swollen hands and feet are usually the first visible consequences. In the further course, however, serious diseases such as edema in the lungs and brain can also occur, which can also be life-threatening under certain circumstances. However, the further course often also depends on the underlying diseases such as liver cirrhosis or acute kidney failure.

complications

In the case of overhydration, those affected primarily suffer from water deposits in different parts of the body. These continue to lead to a significant increase in weight and also to tiredness and exhaustion. Most of those affected no longer take an active part in everyday life. A racing heart and shortness of breath can also occur as a result of overhydration and have a very negative effect on the quality of life of those affected. Patients often seem confused and can no longer follow simple events properly.

Furthermore, the patients often suffer from disorders of consciousness or also from paralysis or disorders of sensitivity . If the overhydration is not treated, the person affected can, in the worst case, die as a result of the disease. Seizures can also occur as a result of the disease and significantly reduce the quality of life.

Hyperhydration is usually treated without complications. However, the underlying disease must also be treated, although a positive course of the disease cannot be guaranteed in every case. Overhydration may also reduce the patient’s life expectancy.

treatment and therapy

The treatment and therapy of hyperhydration depends primarily on its cause. The administration of liquid containing minerals already helps against overhydration, in which there is too little sodium in the blood and which has no serious causes . As a result, the affected person is quickly supplied with sufficient electrolytes again, so that the overhydration and the sodium balance can quickly return to normal.

If, on the other hand, there is too much sodium in the blood and there is no underlying serious illness, so-called diuretics are usually the drug of choice. These are diuretic drugs that greatly increase fluid excretion, helping to get the excess water out of the body as quickly as possible. In addition, in most cases a low-sodium diet is prescribed and a balance of the liquid is carried out in order to be able to better control the water balance.

However, if other diseases are responsible for the overhydration, these must of course be cured first. In the case of cardiac insufficiency, this can be, for example, medication that strengthens the heart, so-called digitalis. On the other hand, if kidney weakness is the problem, dialysis (blood washing) can help to ensure the normal function of the kidneys and thus also counteract overhydration.

prevention

The best way to prevent overhydration that is not due to a more serious medical condition is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The consumption of salt in particular should be kept within reasonable limits and not be overdone. In the case of high temperatures or heavy physical exertion, for example through sports or physical work, a loss of fluids through sweating should be compensated for by drinking drinks containing minerals if possible.Since the body loses many minerals and salts when sweating or with some symptoms of illness such as diarrhea or vomiting, it is important to ensure that you get enough of them through food or drinks. Overhydration is an acute threat to well-being and health . In addition, it can be a symptom of a whole range of diseases, which is why the first signs should be checked by a doctor immediately.