An Ironman triathlete swims in a competition.
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Ironman triathlons are extreme endurance challenges that test your physical limits. With a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycling race and full marathon, the race provides many opportunities to sweat valuable fluids. Fluid loss affects many organs, including your ears. Dehydration symptoms include ringing of the ears, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, fatigue and cramping. A hydration plan is needed before undertaking Ironman training or competition. Contact your doctor if you experience dehydration symptoms.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluids -- through sweat or elimination -- than you ingest. Your body -- composed of approximately 60 percent water -- requires fluids to function regularly. In an Ironman triathlon, you lose a significant amount of water weight. A 2004 study in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" found participants lost up to 7 percent of their total body weight during competition. Lack of fluid affects the physiological systems and can lead to mild symptoms, including dry mouth and mucus membranes, headache and dizziness or severe symptoms like low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever and delirium.
Inner Ear Fluid
The inner ear -- an organ filled with fluid -- is affected by dehydration. Fluid balance is maintained by a charged particle, or ion's, transport across the inner ear's membranes. This fluid helps maintain body equilibrium and transmits sound. The inner ear needs adequate blood flow to supply nutrients for fluid homeostasis, according to an April 2001 study published in "The International Tinnitus Journal." As dehydration sets in, blood volume decreases and mineral imbalances occur, affecting the inner ear's fluid.
Inner Ear Fluid Imbalance
Fluid imbalances in the inner ear lead to several symptoms and conditions -- some more serious than others. Dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus, fullness in the ears or hearing loss can stem from inner-ear fluid imbalances, according to Loyola University. You may also experience a loud noise or "rushing" sound in your ears and loss of coordination or balance. During an Ironman competition, these symptoms are dangerous. Falls from your bike or while running can cause injuries. If you fail to hydrate, serious -- and sometimes lethal -- health consequences can occur.
Avoiding Dehydration
Proper hydration starts before you begin exercising. The triathlon's organizers recommend drinking 8 to 16 ounces of fluid two hours before training and another 8 ounces about 15 minutes before starting. You need 4 to 10 ounces at least every 15 minutes while exercising. Weigh yourself before and after training sessions to determine how much fluid you should replace. Drink 20 to 24 ounces of fluid for every pound you lose during a workout. Water is fine for workouts under an hour; when exercising longer, however, try a drink containing 6 to 8 percent carbohydrates. You also need electrolytes like sodium and potassium to prevent overhydration or muscle cramping.
FAQs
Effects of Dehydration on Your Ears
The inner ear can be particularly affected by dehydration because it is an organ that is filled with fluid. And it is this fluid that aids our body's equilibrium and ability to hear. Dehydration can cause many hearing related symptoms, including: Ringing in the ears or tinnitus.
What are the symptoms of dehydration during exercise? ›
In endurance athletes, dehydration can cause symptoms, called post-extreme endurance syndrome (PEES). Symptoms of PEES include decreased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and an inability to drink fluids.
Can dehydration cause pulsing in ear? ›
Vascular tumors may increase blood flow around the ear. Anemia and dehydration increase the force of the heartbeat resulting in pulsatile tinnitus. Some medications may increase brain pressure and cause pulsatile tinnitus. A rare cause of thumping sound in the ear is muscle twitching.
What are three signs or symptoms of dehydration that are direct effects of dehydration? ›
If you have mild to moderate dehydration, you might: be thirsty. have a dry mouth, lips and tongue. be dizzy or light-headed, particularly when standing up.
How do I rehydrate my ears? ›
In harsh climates, both hot and cold, petroleum jelly can help soothe and moisturize dry ears. Preparations containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar are not usually helpful for dry ears but may help relieve itchy ears. It is best not to use cotton swabs for cleaning because they tend to over-clean the ear.
What are 2 warning signs of dehydration? ›
Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include:
- feeling thirsty and lightheaded.
- a dry mouth.
- tiredness.
- having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine.
- passing urine less often than usual.
“Hydration during a game, tournament or workout ― not just before and after ― can fall below the radar of an athlete and their trainer, but performance depends on it. Getting dehydrated puts you at risk of headaches, cramping and more serious complications like heat stroke or other heat disease.”
Is one common signs of overexertion dehydration? ›
Fatigue, dizziness, muscle soreness, dehydration and struggling to catch your breath are all signs that you may be burning the candle at both ends. Pain is also a very common symptom of overexertion, as this is the best way for your body to alert you to a potential injury.
What is the best way to rehydrate during exercise? ›
The best way to hydrate is by sipping steadily every 5 to 10 minutes throughout your workout—and after, Rizzo recommends. (We'll get into more specific guidelines for drinking water before, during, and after exercise in just a second.)
Why is my ear muffled and pulsing? ›
Pulsatile tinnitus is often caused by disorders or malformations in the blood vessels and arteries, especially those near the ears. These abnormalities or disorders — including aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations — can cause a change in the blood flow through the affected blood vessels.
This kind of tinnitus is most often caused by fluid accumulation or infection in the middle ear space, but can also be a sign of problems with blood flow in the head or neck. Pulsatile tinnitus also may be caused by brain tumors or abnormalities in brain structure.
Why is pulsatile tinnitus a red flag? ›
Pulsatile tinnitus is a common symptom that impacts between 3-5 million americans. While the potential underlying diseases are many, only some cary significant risks of intracranial hemorrhage, stroke, or blindness. Therefore, evaluation by a specialists with high levels of experience is recommended.
What drink will hydrate you the fastest? ›
1. Water. No surprises here. Water is always going to be one of the best drinks to hydrate.
What is the fastest way to cure dehydration? ›
The fastest way to cure dehydration is to drink fluids, particularly those that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. People unable to drink properly due to medical conditions may require IV hydration for faster results.
How long does it take to rehydrate your body from severe dehydration? ›
If you resolve the issue that caused dehydration and you get the correct amount of fluids, mild to moderate dehydration should go away in less than a day. You should seek treatment for severe dehydration in a hospital. With appropriate treatment, dehydration should resolve within two to three days.
Does drinking a lot of water help with tinnitus? ›
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep the body functioning properly and may help alleviate tinnitus for some. While the connection between hydration and tinnitus is not entirely understood, maintaining proper hydration is a fundamental aspect of general health and well-being.
Does drinking water help Eustachian tube dysfunction? ›
Treatment Options for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
For example, if symptoms are due to a change in altitude or air pressure, chew gum, force a yawn, swallow, drink water or have a snack. For infants, give them a bottle or pacifier to relieve symptoms.
Can dehydration affect Eustachian tubes? ›
Causes of Patulous Eustachian
When a dramatic weight loss occurs, these surrounding fatty tissues shrink, disrupting tube function. Other causes: Dehydration from vigorous exercising, reducing the water content of the fatty tissues surrounding the eustachian tube.
What are the symptoms of a ear stroke? ›
Aside from hearing loss, a person with SSHL may notice other symptoms, such as a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, or dizziness. Anyone experiencing symptoms of SSHL should seek immediate medical treatment. Delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent hearing loss.
