Don't Drink Water 'Too Quickly' Even When Hot... Woman Dies After Drinking 2 Liters of Water in 20 Minutes

'Water Intoxication' Disrupts Body's Water-Sodium Balance
Kidneys Process Less Than 1 Liter of Water Per Hour

Ashley Summers (35), who lived in Indiana, USA, died after rapidly drinking 2 liters of water in 20 minutes a month ago. The cause of death was water intoxication.

ABC News and Independence reported on the story of Summers, who died from water intoxication, on the 4th (local time).

The photo is unrelated to the article content. [Photo by REUTERS] [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 4th of last month, Summers went on a trip to Freeman Lake with her family and, feeling thirsty, hurriedly drank water. She then began to experience sudden headaches and dizziness. Summers and her family had to return home. As soon as they arrived at the garage, Summers fainted. The family rushed her to Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. However, Summers never regained consciousness.

The problem was the water. Medical staff concluded that Summers died from water intoxication. At the time, she drank four 500ml bottles of water?the recommended daily amount?in just 20 minutes.

Water intoxication occurs when a large amount of water is consumed in a short period, disrupting the balance of water and sodium in the blood and lowering the osmotic pressure of body fluids. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of sense of direction. If not treated early, it can lead to seizures or coma.

Summers' brother, Devon Miller, said, "Detailed tests showed that Ashley's brain had swollen, cutting off blood flow to the brain," and added, "I was very shocked to hear the term water intoxication."

Dr. Alok Hawani of Arnett Hospital said water intoxication is "a rare occurrence," but "drinking too much water in a short time is problematic." He advised, "Early symptoms include extreme fatigue and headaches. If water intoxication is suspected, do not hesitate to visit the emergency room."

To prevent water intoxication, water should be consumed at regular intervals according to the daily recommended intake. The kidneys can process 1 liter of water per hour, so one should not drink more than 1 liter per hour. On hot days, if you sweat excessively and feel very thirsty, it is better to consume foods or drinks containing electrolytes, such as fruit or ion drinks.

Summers, who was a registered organ donor, passed away after giving others a new life. Miller said, "Ashley, a mother of two, donated her heart, lungs, liver, and more," adding, "Five people received a second chance at life thanks to her donation."