Question 1

What is Overhydration?

Accepted Answer

Overhydration, also known as water intoxication or hyponatremia, occurs when the body takes in more water than the kidneys can eliminate, leading to dangerously diluted blood sodium levels. It is caused by excessive water intake that overwhelms the kidneys' ability to excrete fluid, diluting electrolytes and blood components. The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test is the most important test for overhydration because it directly measures blood dilution and reveals how water overload is affecting kidney function.

Question 2

What causes overhydration?

Accepted Answer

Overhydration is caused by drinking water faster than your kidneys can eliminate it, which typically happens when consuming excessive amounts in a short period. Athletes during endurance events, people with certain medical conditions affecting kidney function, and individuals taking medications that cause water retention are at higher risk. The kidneys normally process about 1 liter of fluid per hour, but drinking significantly more than this overwhelms the system, causing sodium levels in the blood to become dangerously diluted. Certain psychiatric conditions can also lead to compulsive water drinking, and some recreational drug users consume excessive water due to increased thirst or misguided attempts to flush substances from their system.

Question 3

What is the best test for overhydration?

Accepted Answer

The Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood test is the most important test for overhydration because it directly measures how diluted your blood has become from excess water intake. When you drink too much water, BUN levels drop significantly below the normal range as blood components become diluted, providing clear evidence of water overload and its severity. The Benzene Incident Urine test is also valuable as a supporting test because it measures urine specific gravity, revealing whether your kidneys are properly concentrating urine or producing abnormally diluted urine due to overhydration. Together, these tests give healthcare providers a complete picture of how excess water is affecting both your blood chemistry and kidney function, allowing them to determine the best treatment approach.

Question 4

When should I get tested for overhydration?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like nausea, headache, confusion, or muscle weakness after drinking large amounts of water, especially during or after intense exercise or endurance events. Testing is also important if you notice swelling in your hands or feet, feel unusually bloated, or experience changes in mental status such as disorientation or drowsiness after consuming excessive fluids. Athletes participating in marathons or long training sessions, individuals with conditions affecting kidney function, and anyone who has consumed several liters of water in just a few hours should consider testing. Early detection through blood work is critical because severe overhydration can lead to dangerous complications like brain swelling, seizures, and even coma if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of overhydration?

Accepted Answer

Overhydration symptoms range from mild to severe and include nausea, headaches, confusion, and muscle weakness or cramps. As the condition worsens, you might experience vomiting, swelling in your hands and feet, difficulty breathing, and changes in mental status including disorientation, irritability, or drowsiness. In severe cases, overhydration can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and even coma due to brain swelling from critically low sodium levels. Early symptoms like headache and nausea are often mistaken for dehydration, which can lead people to drink even more water and worsen the condition.

Question 6

Who is at risk for overhydration?

Accepted Answer

Endurance athletes like marathon runners and triathletes are at highest risk because they often drink excessive water during long events without replacing lost sodium through electrolytes. People with kidney disease or heart failure have reduced ability to eliminate excess fluid, making them vulnerable to overhydration even with normal water intake. Individuals taking certain medications including diuretics, antidepressants, and some pain medications may retain water more easily. People with psychiatric conditions that cause compulsive water drinking, recreational drug users who consume excessive water, and elderly adults with decreased thirst sensation and kidney function are also at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if overhydration is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated overhydration leads to progressively lower blood sodium levels, causing cells throughout your body including brain cells to swell with excess water. This brain swelling increases pressure inside the skull, resulting in severe headaches, confusion, seizures, and potentially irreversible brain damage. As sodium levels continue to drop, you can experience respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, coma, and death in severe cases. Even moderate overhydration that persists can damage kidney function, disrupt normal heart rhythms, and cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances that affect muscle and nerve function throughout the body.

Question 8

Can overhydration be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, overhydration can be effectively diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood dilution and electrolyte imbalances caused by excess water intake. The BUN test reveals decreased urea nitrogen levels as blood becomes diluted, while comprehensive metabolic panels show low sodium levels (hyponatremia) which is the hallmark of overhydration. Urine tests complement blood work by measuring urine specific gravity and concentration, showing whether kidneys are producing abnormally diluted urine. Together, these laboratory tests provide clear evidence of overhydration and help healthcare providers determine its severity and appropriate treatment.

Question 9

How is overhydration treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for overhydration focuses on restricting fluid intake and allowing the kidneys to naturally eliminate excess water while carefully monitoring electrolyte levels. Mild cases may only require limiting water consumption and consuming foods or beverages with sodium to help restore electrolyte balance. Moderate to severe cases often require hospitalization where doctors administer concentrated saline solutions intravenously to raise sodium levels gradually and safely. In emergency situations with severe symptoms like seizures or altered consciousness, medications to increase urine output and intensive monitoring in a hospital setting are necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent overhydration?

Accepted Answer

Prevent overhydration by drinking water in response to thirst rather than forcing excessive intake, and limiting consumption to about 1 liter per hour during normal activities. During exercise, especially endurance events, drink sports drinks containing electrolytes rather than plain water alone, and weigh yourself before and after workouts to avoid drinking more than you lose through sweat. Avoid the common myth that you must drink 8 glasses of water daily regardless of your activity level or thirst, and be especially cautious if you take medications that affect fluid balance or have kidney or heart conditions. Listen to your body and remember that foods, especially fruits and vegetables, contribute significantly to your daily fluid intake.

Question 11

What can I do at home for overhydration?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect mild overhydration, immediately stop drinking water and other fluids, and consume small amounts of salty foods like pretzels or broth to help restore sodium balance. Rest and monitor your symptoms closely, seeking immediate medical attention if you experience confusion, severe headache, vomiting, or any worsening symptoms. Avoid exercise or strenuous activity until symptoms resolve, as this can worsen electrolyte imbalances. For athletes, weighing yourself before and after workouts helps you understand your actual fluid needs rather than over-drinking. However, if you have consumed extremely large amounts of water in a short time or experience concerning symptoms, do not attempt home treatment and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Overhydration Blood Test

What is Overhydration?

What causes overhydration?

What is the best test for overhydration?

When should I get tested for overhydration?

References

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