A 46-year-old member asked:
I drank 3 16oz of water and i think i have water intoxication?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Albert C. Cuetteranswered
Neurology 60 years experience
Be careful: Water intoxication can lead to hyposmolality. When the sodium of the blood goes down the brain swells. The brain is kind of an osmometer; it behaves like a red cell in water. If the water is low in sodium the brain swell like a red cell. Therefore brain swelling can lead to alteration of mental status and epileptic seizures.The homeostasis of the animal oragnism has its own defenses; at to a point.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Christine Homanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Homeostasis: 48 ounces of water is well within normal limits for an adult for a day. 6-8 glasses of water (that's 64 ounces) is recommended for daily intake. For people with healthy hearts and healthy kidneys, the body eliminates excess water and makes the urine very pale and dilute.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.