water intoxication

Etiology

• psychogenic polydipsia
• overhydration following heat injury
• excessive water intake after an episode of gastroenteritis or gastric lavage
• forced water intoxication as a form of child abuse

Clinical manifestations

• initial:
  • psychosis
  • inappropriate behaviour
  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • confusion
  • disorientation
• may progress to:
  • delirium
  • seizures
  • coma

Laboratory

• serum electrolytes
  • serum sodium: hyponatremia

Complications

• hyponatremia
• death

Management

• stop excessive water intake
• see hyponatremia

More general terms

• intoxication