water intoxication
C1Medical/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A potentially fatal condition caused by drinking too much water too quickly, which dilutes the body's sodium levels, leading to cell dysfunction.
A state of hyponatremia (dangerously low sodium concentration in the blood) resulting from excessive water consumption, often associated with endurance sports, certain drug use, or psychiatric conditions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically refers to the *dilutional* hyponatremia from overconsumption, not from sodium loss. Often used interchangeably with 'hyponatremia' in public discourse, though medically hyponatremia has broader causes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of associated words may differ (e.g., 'hydration' vs. 'hydration').
Connotations
Identical technical/medical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to medical, sports science, and public health contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Patient] suffered from water intoxication after [activity].[Excessive consumption] caused water intoxication.The diagnosis was water intoxication.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in workplace health and safety guidelines for labourers in hot conditions.
Academic
Common in medical, nursing, sports science, and physiology journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare; appears in news articles about health fads, marathon tragedies, or drug-related incidents.
Technical
Core term in emergency medicine, nephrology, psychiatry (in polydipsia), and sports medicine.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The runner was hospitalised after becoming water intoxicated.
- One can intoxicate oneself with water.
American English
- The runner was hospitalized after becoming water intoxicated.
- It is possible to water-intoxicate yourself.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Drinking too much water is not safe.
- Water can make you very sick.
- Drinking a huge amount of water in a short time can cause water intoxication.
- Doctors warned about water intoxication after the race.
- Marathon runners are at risk of water intoxication if they overhydrate without replacing electrolytes.
- The patient's confusion and nausea were symptoms of acute water intoxication.
- Psychogenic polydipsia, often seen in schizophrenia, can precipitate life-threatening water intoxication.
- The pathophysiology involves a rapid drop in serum osmolality leading to cerebral oedema.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'IN-TOXIC-ation' – but from water, not toxins. Too much water INTOXICates the body's balance.
Conceptual Metaphor
WATER IS A DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE (when in excess). BALANCE IS HEALTH. / TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'водная интоксикация'. The standard medical term is 'гипонатриемия' (hyponatremia) or 'водное отравление'. 'Интоксикация' in Russian more strongly implies poisoning by a toxic agent.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'dehydration' (the opposite).
- Using it for any electrolyte imbalance.
- Spelling 'intoxification'.
- Assuming it requires contaminated water.
Practice
Quiz
Water intoxication is primarily a problem of:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, severe water intoxication can cause fatal brain swelling (cerebral oedema).
There is no fixed amount; it depends on speed of consumption, kidney function, and sodium levels. Cases often involve consuming over 3-4 litres in a few hours.
No. Drowning is inhalation of water into the lungs. Water intoxication is an internal metabolic imbalance from absorption of too much water.
Endurance athletes, individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, users of MDMA/Ecstasy, and infants given diluted formula.