Excessive Sweating Fluid and Salt Loss

Excessive SweatingFluid and Salt Loss

Dana Karem

Living CellsYour body consists of billions of small living units called cells.

Fluid DistributionFluids, in your body, are distributed in two main spaces:one space being inside the cellsthe other being outside the cells such as the bloodWater can easily move between these spaces

water transport into and out of the cells depends on certain factors and is regulated through a number of complex mechanisms. Water Transport

Three substances in your body always attract water.Similarly, water moves towards these substances wherever they are found.

Water Transport

The substances that attract water are:SaltCarbohydrates including sugarProteins Water Transport

Put it this wayWhen we eat salty foods, we feel thirsty.When we eat lots of carbs, we feel thirsty.When we eat too much BBQs, we feel thirsty.

The process by which water is transported is known as osmosis

Water Transport

Salt

Consuming too much salt can lead to certain health issues, however; salt has a number of important functions in the body and you cannot survive without salt.

Why do we sweatWhen we sweat, we lose water and salt from special glands called sweat glands.This process of sweating is an important attempt to cool your body down and get rid of some waste products.

When do we sweat?Excessive heatCrowded and confined spacesExcessive workExerciseWearing too many clothesExcessive stress

When we sweat profusely, we lose water and salt from the spaces outside the cells causing dehydration and salt loss.We will still have fluids and salt inside the cells.The spaces outside the cells will then have less salt than the spaces inside the cells.Excessive Sweating

Excessive SweatingWe will feel thirsty and need to drink water.Most people drink from tap water inside the household or workplace to quench their thirst.

Tap WaterTap water contains plain water, chlorinating agents and perhaps no or very little amounts of salt.

What Happens Then?After sweating excessively and drinking from tap water, water will enter the circulation and will be attracted towards the salt present inside the cells.The cells will then swell and may cause several health issues including:HeadacheDizzinessTirednessConfusionIf this continues, the person will suffer from serious health problems including death.

What to do then?If someone develops these symptoms due to excessive sweating and is able to drink or eat, please advise them to immediately add some salt to the water they are going to drink or just ingest some salt directly.if they are unable to do so easily, do it yourself.

If the patient is seriously ill, comatose or unable to drink or eat:Assess the situation: witnesses, history of underlying causes, etc.Dial 111Remove the patient to a safe area (avoid more fluid and salt loss)Do not force the patient to consume salty materialsMonitor pulse and level of alertnessWait for responsePerform CPR if necessary:Patient is deteriorating, and no signs of breath and circulation

What to do then?

synonymousWater intoxicationHyponatraemiaHypotonic rehydrationHeat exhaustion

Applications of OsmosisPreserving foods

ApplicationsMouth gargles

ApplicationsNasal blockage

ApplicationsSterilization

ApplicationsLip moisturizers

ApplicationsGrills and marinating meat

ApplicationsCooking approaches

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