Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia
A condition where sodium levels in the blood are abnormally low.
What does it mean when your sodium levels drop?
This mineral keeps electricity moving from cell to cell, which makes your muscles move and keeps your heart beating. Because sodium is vital for bodily functions, a drop in your sodium levels could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your system. Drinking Too Much Water
What is the treatment for low sodium levels?
This helps stabilize sodium levels. For individuals who do not tolerate fluid restriction well, there is a medication available to treat low sodium levels. Taking between 600 and 1,200 mg of demeclocycline can treat the symptoms of hyponatremia. The medication is not recommended for individuals with existing kidney or liver problems.
What are the causes of low sodium levels?
The most common causes of low sodium levels in healthy individuals are excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. If you take diuretics regularly you are also at risk of developing low sodium levels. Illnesses that may cause hyponatremia include liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
How to increase sodium levels in blood?
How to Increase Sodium Levels 1. Sodium-Infused Juices. Drinks enriched with sodium such as vegetable juices can boost your blood sodium levels. An... 2. Maintain Adrenal Glands Production. You can keep your adrenal glands working properly by maintaining a healthy diet... 3. Replenish Electrolytes. ...
What is the treatment for low sodium levels?
Options include: Intravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood. This requires a stay in the hospital for frequent monitoring of sodium levels as too rapid of a correction is dangerous.
Can a person recover from low sodium levels?
Hyponatremia can result from multiple diseases that often are affecting the lungs, liver or brain, heart problems like congestive heart failure, or medications. Most people recover fully with their doctor's help.
How do you raise your sodium level?
Intravenous (IV) fluids with a high-concentration of sodium, and/or diuretics to raise your blood sodium levels. Loop Diuretics - also known as "water pills" as they work to raise blood sodium levels, by making you urinate out extra fluid.
How do you treat low sodium in elderly?
Hyponatremia treatments may include changing a medication that affects your sodium level, treating the underlying disease, changing the amount of water you drink or changing the amount of salt in your diet.
What sodium needs hospitalization?
Background: Hyponatremia is defined as serum sodium level <135 meq/L. It is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in hospital admissions worldwide. The proportion is even higher in the ICU setting. A wide variety of factors influence the outcome of the hyponatremic patient.
What is the best source of sodium?
Top Sources of Sodium1Sandwiches.Cold cuts and cured meats.Soups.Burritos and tacos.Savory snacks*Chicken.Cheese.Eggs and Omelets.More items...
What drink is high in sodium?
Hot cocoa from a mix, prepared with water, contains 232 milligrams of sodium, and flavored instant coffee contains 124 milligrams. Some fruit drinks can have a relatively high amount of sodium, too -- canned orange juice contains 77 milligrams and canned lemonade has 60 milligrams.
How long does it take to recover from low sodium?
If you have severe hyponatremia, you may need sodium to be replaced with intravenous (IV) fluids. 7 The IV fluid will contain water, sodium, and other key electrolytes. The medical team will restore the sodium level over the course of several hours or days, depending on the severity of your condition.
Can salt increase sodium levels?
Your doctor may want to do some further tests. However, if they conclude that your sodium level is low because of medication, they may suggest that you eat more salt. They may also give you a course of sodium tablets to raise your sodium level to the normal range.
What foods raise sodium levels?
High-Sodium FoodsSmoked, cured, salted or canned meat, fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar and anchovies.Frozen breaded meats and dinners, such as burritos and pizza.Canned entrees, such as ravioli, spam and chili.Salted nuts.Beans canned with salt added.
Is there a pill for low sodium?
SAMSCA is a prescription medicine used to help increase low sodium levels in the blood, in adults with conditions such as heart failure, and certain hormone imbalances. SAMSCA helps raise salt levels in your blood by removing extra body water as urine.
What Causes Low Sodium in Blood?
Hyponatremia causes can be linked to direct and indirect factors. As our blood sodium levels drop, it is important to take note of recent lifestyle...
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyponatremia
There are several symptoms that indicate the sodium levels in your blood have dropped too low. Initial stages of low levels may not present any sym...
How to Increase Sodium Levels
Hyponatremia treatment starts with increasing sodium levels in the blood as determined by the cause. Under a doctor’s care, or as an existing hospi...
What causes sodium to be lowered?
Heart, kidney and liver problems. Congestive heart failure and certain diseases affecting the kidneys or liver can cause fluids to accumulate in your body, which dilutes the sodium in your body, lowering the overall level. Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH).
What happens when the sodium in your blood is abnormally low?
Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells.
What is the normal sodium level?
A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Many possible conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to hyponatremia, including: Certain medications. Some medications, such as some water pills (diuretics), ...
How to prevent low sodium?
Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. Educate yourself. If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of hyponatremia or you take diuretic medications, be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sodium.
Why does my body lose sodium?
Chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea and other causes of dehydration. This causes your body to lose electrolytes, such as sodium, and also increases ADH levels. Drinking too much water. Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause low sodium by overwhelming the kidneys' ability to excrete water.
Why do older people have hyponatremia?
Older adults may have more contributing factors for hyponatremia, including age-related changes, taking certain medications and a greater likelihood of developing a chronic disease that alters the body's sodium balance.
How long does it take for sodium to drop?
In chronic hyponatremia, sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer — and symptoms and complications are typically more moderate. In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death.
What happens if your sodium levels drop?
If they drop very quickly, your symptoms may be more severe. Losing sodium quickly is a medical emergency. It can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and coma. Common symptoms of low blood sodium include: weakness. fatigue or low energy.
How to treat low sodium?
It may include: cutting back on fluid intake. adjusting the dosage of diuretics. taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures. treating underlying conditions.
What does it mean when your sodium is low?
The results of this test will help your doctor determine the cause of your low blood sodium: If your blood sodium levels are low but your urine sodium levels are high, your body is losing too much sodium. Low sodium levels in both your blood and your urine mean your body isn’t taking in enough sodium. There may also be too much water in your body.
What is the sodium level in your blood?
In other words, there’s either too much water or not enough sodium in your blood. Normally, your sodium level should be between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter.
How to prevent low sodium levels?
Prevention of low blood sodium. Keeping your water and electrolyte levels in balance can help prevent low blood sodium. If you’re an athlete, it’s important to drink the right amount of water during exercise. You should also consider drinking rehydration beverages like Gatorade or Powerade.
Why is sodium important?
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. It’s important for proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels. Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia. It occurs when water and sodium are out of balance.
What is the best way to check for low sodium?
A blood test can help your doctor check for low sodium levels. Even if you don’t have symptoms of low blood sodium, your doctor may order a basic metabolic panel. This tests the amounts of electrolytes and minerals in your blood. A basic metabolic panel is often part of a routine physical.
Why is my sodium level low?
Causes. Low sodium can result from lifestyle factors and medical conditions. There are several hormonal issues that can cause low sodium. Lifestyle issues, related to sodium or fluid intake or to excessive sweating can affect sodium levels as well.
What causes low sodium levels?
There are a few medical illnesses that can result in low sodium levels, including hormonal issues and brain injuries. Typically, hormonal issues develop slowly, and the sodium level can be corrected gradually before it causes any serious problems.
What is cerebral salt wasting?
Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome (CSWS): This syndrome, caused by brain damage and head trauma, causes sodium loss. 8 This may result in brain swelling, resulting in seizures and loss of consciousness. As the name suggests, cerebral salt wasting is actually caused by the body ridding itself of salt.
What medications can cause low sodium levels?
7 For example, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can cause low sodium.
What causes SIADH?
In SIADH, ADH causes the body to hold on to too much water, which makes the sodium concentration too low. 6 . Lung problems like cancer may cause SIADH, as can many drugs like Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Elavil (amitriptyline) .
What happens if you eat too much salt?
Your body needs dietary iodine to make thyroid hormones. When you have low sodium due to dietary restriction, you are likely to have symptoms of hypothyroidism too.
How long does it take for salt to go down?
It can take weeks or months for you to experience the effects of low salt in your diet—and these effects can be corrected by just one day of normal salt intake. However, when sodium levels rapidly decline, which can happen due to certain medical issues, you may experience serious health effects that can worsen rapidly.
What causes sodium levels to fall?
Other medical conditions and factors that can cause sodium levels to fall include: syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) People with SIADH produce excessive levels of the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which can lower sodium levels.
How to restore sodium levels?
Those who have mild to moderate hyponatremia resulting from lifestyle factors or medication may be able to increase sodium to normal levels by: drinking less fluids (often less than 1 quart per day) adjusting medication dose or switching medications.
What is hyponatremia in the body?
Diagnosis. Treatment. Prevention. Takeaway. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium levels in the blood are too low. Symptoms include lethargy, confusion, and fatigue. It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney failure, or other factors, such as drinking too much water or taking certain medications. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an ...
What is the most common electrolyte disorder?
As the condition worsens, people may experience symptoms, such as: Severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 mEq/L. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder that doctors encounter.
How to get sodium levels back to normal?
adjusting medication dose or switching medications. Individuals with severe symptoms often require hospitalization and an intravenous (IV) sodium treatment to get their sodium levels back to normal. They may also require drugs to treat seizures or other hyponatremia symptoms.
What is the definition of low sodium?
Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an essential role in regulating the levels of water and other substances in the body. The definition of a low sodium level is below 135 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) .
What are the factors that increase the risk of hyponatremia?
Some medications may increase the risk of hyponatremia. Certain factors increase the risk of developing hyponatremia, including: age. having specific conditions, such as SIADH or kidney, heart, or liver disease. taking certain diuretics, antidepressants, or pain medications. taking ecstasy.
What does it mean when you have low sodium?
Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have too much water in your blood. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities.
How to treat hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia treatments may include changing a medication that affects your sodium level, treating the underlying disease, changing the amount of water you drink or changing the amount of salt in your diet.
What are the causes of hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder. These risk factors include: 1 Drugs that make you urinate more (diuretics) 2 Some types of antidepressants 3 Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication 4 Underactive thyroid or adrenal glands 5 Decreased function of the kidneys, liver or heart 6 Certain cancers, including lung cancer 7 Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration
Why is hyponatremia more common in older adults?
Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder. These risk factors include: Drugs that make you urinate more (diuretics) Some types of antidepressants. Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication.
What happens if sodium levels are too low?
Conversely, if sodium levels in the bloodstream are too low, water will leave the blood and enter cells, causing them to swell. Hyponatremia is the term used to describe low sodium levels in the bloodstream (hypo=low + natr=sodium + emia=blood). Acute hyponatremia describes the situation in which sodium levels drop quickly, ...
How long does it take for a person to get low sodium?
It is important for the health care professional to decide whether the low sodium occurred acutely (within 48 hours ) or whether the hyponatremia is more chronic in nature. Treatment is directed at correcting the underlying cause and then helping the body correct the sodium and water levels in the body.
What is low sodium?
What Is Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)? Hyponatremia, or low blood sodium, can cause severe neurological symptoms. Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. Sodium concentration is higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. Regulatory mechanisms help control and maintain sodium levels.
How does acute hyponatremia compare to chronic hyponatremia?
Acute hyponatremia describes the situation in which sodium levels drop quickly, while chronic hyponatremia describes situations with a gradual fall in the sodium concentrations over days or weeks. Chronic hyponatremia is often well tolerated since the body has a chance to adapt.
Why does hyponatremia occur?
Hyponatremia occurs because of an imbalance of water and sodium. Most frequently it occurs when excessive water dilutes the amount of sodium in the body or when not enough total sodium is present in the body. A common classification of hyponatremia is based on the amount of total body water that is present.
What is the term for the lack of water in the body?
Inadequate volume (hypovolemic) hyponatremia . The amount of water in the body is too low as can occur in dehydration. The anti-diuretic hormone is stimulated, causing the kidneys to make very concentrated urine and hold onto water. This may be seen with excessive sweating and exercising in a hot environment.
Why is sodium normal in hyponatremia?
Acute hyponatremia is less common, and the goal is to return the sodium levels to normal to prevent cerebral edema and brain death. In most patients, if the source of excess water intake is eliminated, the body's kidneys can correct the sodium abnormalities on its own.
What causes low sodium (hyponatremia)?
Hyponatremia, or a low sodium level, is the most common electrolyte problem. Sodium levels in the blood are affected by how much sodium we eat or how much water we drink. However, the body adjusts for variations in our diet in order to maintain normal sodium levels. Below are some of the common causes of hyponatremia.
What are the symptoms of low sodium levels?
The symptoms of hyponatremia are related to the way it causes fluid shifts in the brain. The severity of symptoms depends on both the sodium levels and how fast sodium levels change.
How low is too low?
Hyponatremia is always diagnosed with a blood test, usually a blood electrolyte panel. Your doctor might check your sodium levels routinely if you are on a medication that can cause low sodium. Or it may be discovered on a blood test that is ordered for a different reason.
How do you treat low sodium levels?
The most important treatment for low sodium is treating the underlying cause. Your provider will make sure you are getting the best treatment for your illness while correcting your sodium levels.
The bottom line
Sodium is a vital mineral that plays an important role in many bodily functions. So, when levels get too low, it can cause some problems — particularly with fluid levels, blood pressure, and brain function.
Why does sodium drop?
Because sodium is vital for bodily functions, a drop in your sodium levels could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your system.
Why is my sodium level low?
When hormone levels become erratic, however, your sodium level may show up lower than it should be. Having an underactive thyroid, which causes the gland to secrete inadequate amounts of thyroid hormones, can trigger a low sodium level. Abnormally low sodium could also be a sign of Addison’s disease, a condition that happens when your adrenal glands on top of your kidneys become damaged, minimizing certain hormones in your body. The damage is often caused by hemorrhaging, underlying tumors, an autoimmune disease or other serious ailment, warranting more tests by your physician.
What causes low sodium levels?
Pain killers and antidepressants, for example, make you sweat and urinate more than normal, leading to low sodium, MedlinePlus reports. Congestive heart failure, kidney disease and cirrhosis of the liver are long-term conditions that force your body to retain extra fluids, thus diluting sodium in your body. Or if you’re suffering from severe diarrhea or have been vomiting for a long period of time, your system loses fluids, as well as electrolyte minerals like sodium.
Why is my sodium level low?
Causes and Symptoms. The most common causes of low sodium levels in healthy individuals are excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. If you take diuretics regularly you are also at risk of developing low sodium levels. Illnesses that may cause hyponatremia include liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and kidney disease.
What is the best way to stabilize sodium levels?
Intravenous Fluids. Intravenous fluids in the form of isotonic saline are used to treat more severe cases of low sodium levels. An isotonic saline solution has a similar concentration of saline, or salt, as the concentration of saline in body fluids. This helps stabilize sodium levels.
What are the symptoms of low sodium?
The symptoms of low sodium levels include a headache that gets progressively worse, hallucinations, confusion, fatigue, irritability nausea and vomiting. You may also experience muscle cramps, spasms and weakness. Advertisement.
How to treat hyponatremia?
Restrict Fluid Intake. If you exhibit signs of hyponatremia, the first treatment step is to monitor fluid intake. Individuals should not consume more than 1.5 liters of fluids daily when suffering from hyponatremia. This allows the body to balance sodium levels.
Is low sodium dangerous?
Low sodium levels can be dangerous and require treatment by a professional. Low sodium levels, or hyponatremia, can lead to confusion, a coma or even death. It is the most common electrolyte disorder in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Overview
- Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body'…
Symptoms
- Hyponatremia signs and symptoms may include: 1. Nausea and vomiting 2. Headache 3. Confusion 4. Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue 5. Restlessness and irritability 6. Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps 7. Seizures 8. Coma
Causes
- Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body's fluid balance. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Many possible conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to h…
Risk Factors
- The following factors may increase your risk of hyponatremia: 1. Age.Older adults may have more contributing factors for hyponatremia, including age-related changes, taking certain medications and a greater likelihood of developing a chronic disease that alters the body's sodium balance. 2. Certain drugs.Medications that increase your risk of hyponatremia include thiazide diuretics as …
Complications
- In chronic hyponatremia, sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer — and symptoms and complications are typically more moderate. In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death. Premenopausal women appear to be at the greatest risk of hyponatremia-relat…
Prevention
- The following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia: 1. Treat associated conditions.Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. 2. Educate yourself.If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of hyponatremia or you take diuretic medicatio...
Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Causes
- Low sodium can result from lifestyle factors and medical conditions that affect the balance of water and/or sodium in the body.
Diagnosis
- Hyponatremia is diagnosed with a physical exam, laboratory tests, and a review of your medical history. Central to the diagnosis is a blood test that measures the concentration of sodium in your blood. The levels are measured in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) and classified as follow: 1. Normal: 135 to 145 mEq/L 2. Hyponatremia: Under 135 mEq/L 3. Severe hyponatremia: Under 12…
Treatment Options
- The treatment of hyponatremia can be simple at times and challenging at others. The treatment is often based on the slow and careful replacement of sodium in the body, as well as the management of the underlying cause of hyponatremia.
Summary
- Hyponatremia is abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood. Oftentimes a person with hyponatremia will have no symptoms if sodium levels are mildly decreased. When sodium levels drop significantly, hyponatremia can cause headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and difficulty concentrating. Severe cases can lead to seizures or coma. Hy...
A Word from Verywell
- Hyponatremia has many causes, some of which are more serious than others. If you have symptoms of hyponatremia, it's important to see a doctor. The cause may be due to dietary issues that can be easily resolved, but the symptoms may also be the first sign of a serious medical condition.