- Ashley Summers tragically passed away due to excessive water consumption.
- Her family was shocked to discover that she fell victim to a condition known as water intoxication.
- Drinking large amounts of water can disrupt the body’s sodium levels, causing cells to swell.
The family of Ashley Summers is spreading awareness about water intoxication, which tragically claimed her life.
“It was a tremendous shock to all of us,” said her brother Devon Miller in an interview with WLFI News. “I couldn’t believe this was even a thing.”
Ashley Summers, a 36-year-old daycare worker from Monticello, Indiana, and a mother of two young daughters, unexpectedly passed away on July 6 after a boating trip with her family over the Independence Day weekend.
According to Miller, Summers experienced a headache on July 4 and felt an intense need for water. She consumed four bottles of water within a 20-minute boat ride from a sand bar to the dock. Later that day, she collapsed at home and never regained consciousness.
“The excessive water caused her blood vessels to constrict, halting the blood flow to her brain,” explained Miller.
Water intoxication disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance
Water intoxication, also known as water toxicity, is a rare condition that occurs when a person drinks an excessive amount of water too quickly, leading to an imbalance in the body’s electrolyte levels and a rapid drop in sodium.
Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure and the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and body tissues. When the sodium concentration in extracellular fluids decreases due to excessive water intake, water enters the cells to equalize the levels, causing them to swell. Swelling of brain cells can be life-threatening.
Typically, individuals are at higher risk of water toxicity after prolonged workouts, as both water and electrolytes are lost through sweat. This is especially true for marathon and ultramarathon runners.
However, water intoxication can also be associated with a psychiatric condition called psychogenic polydipsia, wherein individuals consume excessive amounts of water despite not physiologically needing it. This condition is more prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia.
Dr. Alok Harwani, an emergency physician at IU Health Arnett Hospital, highlighted early signs of water intoxication, including disorientation, fatigue, headaches, and general malaise.
“If you suspect water toxicity in yourself or a family member and notice unusual behavior, don’t hesitate to call 911,” advised Dr. Harwani. Other symptoms may include restlessness, irritability, muscle spasms, seizures, and coma.
Immediate hospital treatment is necessary upon diagnosing water intoxication.
To prevent water intoxication when consuming large amounts of water on hot days or after exercise, Dr. Harwani recommends breaking up water intake with electrolyte-rich drinks like Gatorade and replenishing electrolytes through fruits and vegetables.
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