25 chronic alcoholics were submitted to a 45-min experiment in the hot chamber. The weight loss due to sweating averaged 0.77 ± 0.33 kg (1.02 ± 0.55% of body weight) and was significantly higher for the alcoholics than for the controls, 0.5 ± 0.2 kg (0.81 ± 0.15%). Before and after the experiment, the electrolyte excretion in sweat was compared to that in urine. The sodium concentration in sweat increased during the experiment in both groups; however, the sodium concentration decreased markedly in the urine after the experiment. In both alcoholics and controls, the potassium concentration in sweat decreased significantly, whereas concentration in the urine increased after the experiment. According to our results, the excretion of water and electrolytes in chronic alcoholics, when compared to controls, is characterized by increased sweat excretion and decreased sodium and potassium concentrations in urine before and after heat exposure. Regarding sweat gland and kidney function during thermal stress, alcoholics presented the same reaction type as controls.

Keywords:
Sweat, Chronic alcoholics, Sodium, Potassium, Heat exposure
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© 1972 S. Karger AG, Basel
1972
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