Doctors often recommend that patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) drink extra fluids. These tips are based on the need to compensate for the loss of fluid associated with an increase in temperature, evaporation of the surface of the respiratory tract, an increase in the quantity of mucous membranes, and also in order to correct the dehydration resulting from '' a decrease in the fluid intake of food and a decrease in the viscosity of sputum. For many, the benefits of this advice are obvious and reinforced by the belief that even if it is small or uncertain, it is at least harmless.

However, there are theoretical assumptions that increased fluid intake can be harmful. The antidiuretic hormone (ADH) retains fluid in the body, stimulating reabsorption in the renal tubules. Increased secretion of DHA has been reported in adults and children with lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia of viral and bacterial etiology. It is not yet clear whether upper respiratory infections are associated with a similar phenomenon. It is suggested that increased secretion of DHA is associated with a number of factors, including fever, hypoxia, hypercapnia, pain, changes in emotional context, and nausea. Taking extra fluid against the background of increased secretion of DHA can lead to hyponatremia and an excessive increase in the volume of circulating blood. Clinically, this condition will manifest as irritability, disorientation, lethargy, coma and seizures. Limiting fluid intake can prevent the development of symptoms.

To determine whether it is beneficial or harmful to drink a lot of flu during IRA, Mr. Guppy and his colleagues (Australia) undertook a systematic review of the literature from 1966 to 2003. There have been no randomized controlled trials comparing the results of increased and limited fluid consumption in patients with respiratory infections. Two prospective studies reported 31% and 45% hyponatremia in children with moderate severity and severe pneumonia, none of whom had symptoms of dehydration. Four children with plasma NaCl levels below 125 mmol / L died during the study. Several cases of hyponatremia have also been identified in patients with acute respiratory infections, the clinical manifestations of which have been successfully stopped by limiting fluid intake.

The data presented suggest that excessive fluid intake by patients with acute respiratory infections may have harmful consequences. Before obtaining accurate data on this problem, care should be taken to prescribe excessive amounts of fluid, especially for patients with lower respiratory tract infections.