Ashley Miller, a 35-year-old mother from Indiana, died from water toxicity.
Heartbreaking Story
She drank too much water too quickly, according to her family.
Vacation Turned Into Tragedy
When the tragedy struck, she was on vacation with her husband and two daughters.
Entire Day's Water in a few minutes
Ashley complained of being dehydrated, light-headed, and feeling like she couldn't drink enough water.
Entire Day's Water in a few minutes
She drank half a gallon of water in 20 minutes, a quantity normally advised to be taken in the entire day.
Water Intoxication Phenomenon
Water intoxication or hyponatremia occurs when the body's sodium levels become dangerously low due to excessive water consumption.
Impact on Organs
Drinking excess water in a short time affects the kidney's ability to eliminate the surplus water, causing an electrolyte imbalance.
Symptoms of Water Poisoning
Symptoms may include nausea, headache, cramps, and in severe cases brain swelling, seizures, coma, or death.
Onset of Symptoms
Symptoms of water intoxication can emerge rapidly, within hours of excessive water intake.
Role of Sodium
Low sodium levels in the bloodstream lead to water entering brain cells rapidly, causing them to swell and press against the skull.
Misconception
As opposed to a common belief, drinking too much water (overhydration) is as harmful as dehydration.
Risk Groups Involved
People who work outside during summer, athletes engaged in prolonged physical activity, and people taking certain medications can be at risk of overhydration.
Signs of Danger
If you are thirsty and drink a bottle of water but still feel like haven't got enough, then this is a warning sign. You need to drink things that have electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Hydration Plan
When out in the hot weather for a long keep drinking and eating things with electrolytes such as fruits or Gatorade, in addition to plain water, to maintain the balance of water and sodium in the blood.
A Generous Spirit
The family says Ashley Summers was an organ donor and was able to save five others’ lives.