WATER-INTOXICATION - A POSSIBLE COMPLICATION DURING ENDURANCE EXERCISE

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 17  (3) , 370-375
Abstract
Four athletes developed water intoxication (hyponatremia) during endurance events lasting more than 7 h. The etiology of the condition appears to be voluntary hyperhydration with hypotonic solutions combined with moderate sweat NaCl losses. The reason why the fluid excess in these runners was not corrected by increased urinary losses is unknown. When advised to drink less during prolonged exercise, 3 of the atheletes have subsequently completed prolonged endurance events uneventfully.