When competing in any kind of endurance sport, whether it is marathon running, cycling, or cross-country skiing, one of the most important things an athlete can do is rehydrate and replenish their bodies. Everyone has heard of being dehydrated, it’s common knowledge among even people who are not physically active. However, knowledge of hyponatremia is not as wide-spread as it should be. Both dehydration and hyponatremia are conditions that pose threats to endurance athletes, and can sometimes even be fatal.
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more water than it is taking in, causing there to be an insufficient amount of water for the body to carry out normal body functions.1 This condition is easily resolved and even prevented simply by regularly drinking water before and during exercise. Common signs and symptoms include: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness.1
Hyponatremia is a condition in which sodium levels in the blood are low.2 Sodium is an electrolyte that is responsible for regulating the amount of water that is in, and around, the cells.2 As sodium is sweat out of the body without being replenished, sodium levels in the blood drop, causing cells to swell with water which in-turn can cause health risks such as rapid swelling brain, which could lead to coma or death.2 Hyponatremia may also be caused by excessive consumption of water, which is why it is advised to drink an electrolyte sports drink towards the end of a workout, in order to replenish the sodium. Common signs and symptoms include: nausea, headache, confusion, fatigue, restlessness, muscle weakness, seizures, and coma.2
Dehydration is far more common than hyponatremia, but they are both worth considering when preparing or participating in any endurance event. It is important to understand the difference of each due to their similarities. Treating hyponatremia as dehydration, and vice versa, will make the problem drastically worse, and therefore awareness about both conditions is a must for any endurance athlete.
References:
1Dr. Runco. (2010, March 2). Dehydration vs. Hyponatremia. The Running Institute San Diego. http://www.sdri.net/2010/03/dehydration-vs-hyponatremia/
2Hyponatremia. (2014, May 28). Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/basics/definition/con-20031445
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