2023-07-22 14:31:00
On July 18, 2023, Public Health France published its report on the impact of the heat wave. She deplores a large number of visits to the emergency room for hyperthermia, dehydration but also hyponatremia, an unknown and yet potentially fatal risk linked to high heat.
Beyond three days, the heat wave can be dangerous for health, recalls Meteo France. And for good reason, between the risk of dehydration and hyperthermia, the most vulnerable or least vigilant people can suffer deleterious consequences. Among them, the little-known hyponatremia, the risks of which are far from negligible.
“The analysis of the use of emergency care indicates an increase in the iHeat wave indicator, in connection with the increase in temperatures”, deplores SPF. A peak in emergency room use was notably recorded on July 11 before a slight decrease. The figures have not returned to normal since the start of this heatwave episode.
What is hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is characterized by low sodium level in the blood. In particular, it can be caused by excessive fluid consumption, kidney or heart failure, cirrhosis or the use of diuretics. The main consequence of this syndrome is brain dysfunction, notes the MSD manual.
It causes a call for water towards the interior of the cells and edemas, or cellular swellings. When it happens in the brainthe person is in danger and must be taken care of to increase the level of sodium.
How to spot it?
“Hyponatremia is characterized by lethargy and confusion and, when more severe, by muscle twitching and convulsions, gradually becoming unresponsive” explains MSDand must then be diagnosed by measuring the level of sodium in the blood.
Hyponatremia is a vital emergency, recalls the MSD website. And for good reason, the sodium, as diluted in the blood, is insufficient, to which the brain is particularly sensitive. It can lead to a cerebral edema And the dead.
How to avoid it?
To prevent hyponatremia, if you do not suffer from kidney problems, you must avoid the main trigger: consumption excessive and too fast of liquid. It is for this reason that it is particularly frequent during high temperatures when one may be tempted to drink a lot of water at once. As a general rule, it is better to drink in small, regular amounts than in large one-off amounts.
The water information center increased to 5 liters, the daily limit not to be exceeded. Of course, it is to be adjusted according to perspiration and diet.
Note that sweating evacuates sodium from the body and lowers its level in the blood. It is necessary to hydrate gently by listening to the feeling of thirst and monitor the first symptoms of lack of water (dry mouth, eyes) to direct its consumption.
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