When a seemingly wholesome younger mom began to quench her thirst by consuming water, she had no approach of figuring out she would find yourself lifeless.
Ashley Summers, 35, was trying ahead to a pleasant journey along with her husband and two kids when she traveled to Lake Freeman in Indiana along with her household. Nonetheless, because of a horrible tragedy, the in any other case wholesome mom would die inside days.
Ashley’s household claims she was badly dehydrated on the final day of the holiday. She knowledgeable her household that she didn’t really feel satiated since she couldn’t drink sufficient water. Ashley additionally complained about feeling dizzy and having a persistent headache, her household stated.
“Somebody stated she drank 4 bottles of water in 20 minutes,” her brother Devon Miller advised WRTV. “I imply, a median water bottle is like 16 ounces, in order that was 64 ounces that she drank in a span of 20 minutes. That’s half a gallon. That’s what you’re imagined to drink in an entire day.”
Ashley arrived house however collapsed in her storage. She was taken to IU Well being Arnett Hospital, however she by no means regained consciousness. “My sister, Holly, referred to as me, and she or he was simply an absolute wreck,” Ashley’s brother added. “She was like ‘Ashley is within the hospital. She has mind swelling, they don’t know what’s inflicting it, they don’t know what they will do to get it to go down, and it’s not trying good.’”
Ashley’s physicians knowledgeable her household that she died on account of water toxicity. “It was a shock to all of us. After they first began speaking about water toxicity, it was like — it is a factor?” Devon Miller recalled. Sadly, it exists, and signs of water toxicity embody common malaise, muscle cramps, discomfort, nausea, and complications.
“There are particular issues that may make somebody extra in danger for it, however the general factor that occurs is that you’ve got an excessive amount of water and never sufficient sodium in your physique,” stated Dr. Blake Froberg, a toxicologist with IU Well being. It’s a uncommon prevalence, however throughout the summer time months or when you’re somebody that works exterior or workouts lots, it’s vital to have a hydration plan. “Ensuring that you just’re consuming issues which have electrolytes and sodium and a few potassium,” stated Dr. Froberg.
Hyponatremia (often known as low sodium) is a standard electrolyte abnormality brought on by an extra of whole physique water when in comparison with whole physique sodium content material. In layman’s phrases, whenever you drink an excessive amount of water, too rapidly, you may dilute the quantity of sodium in your system which may result in critical coronary heart arrhythmia points.
Hypokalemia (or low potassium) refers to a lower-than-normal potassium stage in your bloodstream. Ingesting extreme water too rapidly can result in this situation. The correct quantity of potassium is crucial to the right functioning of nerve and muscle cells, notably coronary heart muscle cells. It’s vital to notice that different well being points can even trigger hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Some diuretics, like blood strain drugs, can even trigger the physique to remove extra potassium within the urine, main medical doctors to prescribe potassium capsules.
Ashley Summers was an organ donor and was capable of donate her coronary heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and a few of her lengthy bone tissue, in the end saving 5 different lives, her household stated. Ashley owned and operated Nation Youngsters Daycare for 9 years and labored for Monticello Christian Church Daycare.
Ashley was an avid softball participant and coached her youngsters’ softball groups. She cherished her time on the lake and spending time along with her household and mates. Ashley was a loyal spouse, mom, daughter, and sister, and household was her all the things. Her household is grateful that she was capable of proceed her love by organ donation with Indiana Donor Community, giving the reward of life to many others.
