A 33-year-old member asked:
How much water do you have to drink to get water intoxication?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Wanda Bedinghausanswered
Holistic Medicine 52 years experience
Water intoxication: This is a rare phenomena and can occur during excessive loss of fluids from vigorous exercise and then drinking large amounts of water without electrolyte replacement. It can also be a psychological problem called "pathological water drinker." the main point here is that electrolytes, esp. Sodium need to stay in balance. Excessive drinking of water over a longer period of time might cause this.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Marion Mcfarlandanswered
Emergency Medicine 49 years experience
Varies: Depends on your weight , how much salt you consume and medications you are taking.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
How much water do you have to drink for it to be a problem (water intoxication)?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jin Packardanswered
Emergency Medicine 9 years experience
1-2 gallons; depends: Quickly drinking lots of water will lower one's blood sodium (salt) level, affecting the brain and heart. The exact amount of water needed to cause damage varies, depending mainly on one's body weight and amount of dehydration. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, nausea, & seizures from brain swelling. Endurance athletes sweat away sodium, and should rehydrate gradually, with some electrolytes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
How do you get water intoxication?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Paul Gilsonanswered
Neurology 43 years experience
Water overdriking: If one drinks excessive amounts of water without any salt or mineral intake one can develope hypo(low) natremia which can lead to lethary, somnolence and rarely weakness, seizures and death.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
How much water leads to water intoxication?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Yash Khannaanswered
Family Medicine 59 years experience
It is Variable: Healthy adult kidney is capable of handling 15 litres of water a day spread over the day.An adult should not drink more than 8 oq of water per hour to give your body time to absorp and excrete.If you consume more than that or drink .
How much water leads to water intoxication depends if your kidneys are healthy, over how long period you drink the water and if you are drinking after strenuous exerc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 24, 2018
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.
