Coma
Coma is characterized by the inability to be awakened, even by vigorous stimulation or pain. It can occur due to many underlying conditions, but in terms of hydration and water balance, it can be due to overhydration.
Sodium and potassium are two minerals that are critical for life and are present in our bodies in very specific concentrations. To maintain these concentrations, our bodies regulate the amounts of sodium and potassium in our system through excretion (i.e., urine) and resorption (i.e., reabsorption). When we ingest water or other fluids, the body senses this change. As a result, it will either excrete more sodium or potassium to maintain equilibrium within the cells or resorb less sodium or potassium if needed elsewhere.
Overhydration can occur when we take in more fluids than our body needs—in excess, they will either be excreted or resorbed into cells that don’t need them, disrupting normal function. This can cause an imbalance between sodium and potassium levels—too much sodium may be excreted while too little enters cells.
