Dehydration is a serious health risk, predisposing individuals to a host of problems, including fatigue, high blood pressure, skin and digestive disorders. Studies show that not having enough body water can also increase risk for respiratory issues, particularly aggravating asthma.
2. Dehydration is a serious health risk, predisposing individuals to a host
of problems, including fatigue, high blood pressure, skin and digestive
disorders. Studies show that not having enough body water can also
increase risk for respiratory issues, particularly aggravating asthma.
A study from the University of Buffalo found that low levels of water in
the body might prompt bronchospasm, or sudden movements of the
muscles in walls of the bronchioles, blocking airways to retain water.
The researchers advise taking plenty of fluids, most especially when
engaging in physical activities. Most experts recommend choosing cool,
filtered tap water during exercises, instead of buying bottled water.
Dehydration May Trigger Asthma
The body taps on a natural water supply system when it senses dehydration. It produces
histamine, a neurotransmitter and redistributes it throughout the body. The primary function of
histamine is to ensure that vital organs receive enough water.
When dehydration becomes chronic, the amount of neurotransmitters in the body increases,
making smooth muscles contract. This includes bronchial tubes and tubules in the lungs; such
movements narrow airways to minimise water loss from the lungs.
3. Asthmatics, More Sensitive to
Dehydration
Researchers from the University of Buffalo
conducted a study, observing sixteen
participants whose ages ranged from 19 to 29.
The participants were grouped into two,
depending on the presence of exercise-induced
asthma.
Each person was to undergo six minutes of
high-intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer
and/or treadmill. The end of the activity saw
researchers evaluate forced vital capacity (the
volume of air a person can exhale in one
second) when fully hydrated and after a day of
without fluid intake.
The study authors found that hydration condition
had no significant impact on forced vital capacity
among those that do not have asthma. Participants
who had the respiratory condition, however, had
lower forced vital capacity before and after the
physical activity, especially when they were deprived
of water.
The researchers also observed that the rate of
respiratory decline was constant during exercise,
whether fully hydrated or dehydrated. However,
participants began with less forced vital capacity
when dehydrated.
This then made study authors conclude that people
with asthma were more sensitive to dehydration,
compared to those who did not have the respiratory
problem.
Research proves that dehydration can increase risk
for asthma. In turn, asthma can make the person
more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration. It is
then important for individuals to take plenty of
fluids to avoid these complications.