A health condition in which Sodium levels become too low in the blood is called hyponatremia. Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps balance water that is in and around the cells. There are different factors that cause this condition from drinking too much water that dilutes sodium in the body to underlying disease. Therefore, the body’s water levels increase and may cause swelling. However, swelling caused by hyponatremia may cause different health problems from mild to severe.
Commonly, the treatment goal is to resolve the underlying condition. However, in some cases, you just drink less water and get intravenous electrolyte solutions and medicines.
Symptoms
People with hyponatremia usually experience the following symptoms. For example:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Loss of energy
- Seizures
- Coma
- Muscle weakness, spasms, or cramps
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Immediately seek emergency care if you experience severe hyponatremia symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. However, do not hesitate to visit a doctor if you notice nausea, headaches, or weakness.
Causes
This electrolyte plays an important role in the body such as maintaining normal blood pressure, supporting the work of the muscles and nerves, as well as regulating the body fluids. It is considered that blood sodium level is normal when is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). However, when sodium levels drop below 135 mEg/L, hyponatremia occurs. Check below some causes of hyponatremia:
- Medicines – There are some medicines that may reduce sodium levels in the blood. These include water pills (diuretics), antidepressants, and painkillers. These medications interact with the kidney process that maintains sodium levels within the healthy range.
- Health conditions – For instance, congestive heart failure is a condition that negatively affects the kidneys and liver. As a result, fluids begin to build up in the body causing sodium to dilute.
- SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone) – High amounts of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) cause the water to retain in the body instead of passing into urine and out of the body.
- Chronic dehydration symptoms – Severe vomiting or diarrhea may cause the body to lose electrolytes (such as sodium) and increase ADH levels.
- Drinking too much water – People who drink high water amounts may reduce sodium levels in their blood.
- Hormonal changes – People with Adrenal gland insufficiency (Addison’s disease) also may experience low sodium levels. It occurs because affected adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones to maintain the body’s sodium, potassium, and water balance.
- Certain recreational drugs – The risk of severe or even fatal hyponatremia increases in people who use amphetamine or ecstasy.
Risk Factors
The following factors may increase your risk of hyponatremia. Check some examples below:
- Age – The factors that contribute to hyponatremia increase with aging. These include administering certain medicines, chronic health conditions, and others.
- Certain drugs – These include antidepressants, Thiazide diuretics, and pain relievers. Moreover, certain recreational drugs are linked with fatal cases of hyponatremia. For example ecstasy and amphetamine.
- Health conditions – The following health problems may increase the risk of hyponatremia. These include SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone), heart failure, kidney disease, and others.
- Intensive physical activities – Those who take high amounts of water while taking part in ultramarathons, marathons, triathlons, or other high-intensity exercises are at higher risk of developing hyponatremia.
Complications
The sodium levels drop slowly usually over 48 hours or more in people with chronic hyponatremia. Therefore, complications and symptoms are moderate in most cases.
People with acute hyponatremia may experience a sudden drop in sodium levels, which may cause serious symptoms including sudden brain swelling that may lead to coma and death.
The greatest risk of brain damage due to hyponatremia is in postmenopausal women. It may be linked to female sex hormones that play a role in balancing sodium levels.
Prevention
Check below some tips that may help prevent or avoid low blood sodium:
- Get treatment for underlying conditions such as adrenal gland insufficiency.
- Consult with your doctor if you have a condition or take medicines that increase the risk of hyponatremia.
- People who practice high-intensity activities should drink fluids as much as they lose.
- Drink water in moderation (thirst and urine color are the best indicators of the amount of water you need to drink).
Diagnosis
Physicians usually start with questions about your symptoms and medical history and with a physical examination.
In any case, doctors should perform some blood and urine tests to rule out other health conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
In most cases, hyponatremia treatments are focused on treating the underlying cause. If you experience a mild form of hyponatremia that usually occurs due to diet, diuretics, or drinking too much water, physicians recommend cutting back on fluids.
However, if you experience a severe type of hyponatremia, physicians usually prescribe the following treatment options. These include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids – During this treatment you will receive sodium solution intravenously to increase blood sodium levels. However, this treatment option required to stay in the hospital for regular sodium monitoring because it may be dangerous if sodium levels increase too fast.
- Medications – Sometimes, doctors prescribe medicines to lessen hyponatremia symptoms including headaches, seizures, and nausea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods should eat people with hyponatremia?
The following foods are high in sodium. For example:
- Salted nuts
- Beans canned with salt
- Frozen breaded meats and dinners (including pizza and burritos)
- Smoked, cured, or canned meat, fish, or poultry (such as bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausages, sardines, caviar, and anchovies)
- Canned entrees (such as ravioli, spam, and chili)
Consult with your doctor for more details.
What are the main hyponatremia symptoms?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of the previous symptoms, contact your healthcare professional at once.
What are the potential hyponatremia complications?
The complications caused by hyponatremia range from mild to life-threatening. That’s why you should get treatment for this health problem as soon as possible. Check below some of them:
- Cerebral edema
- Seizures
- Psychomotor agitation
- Mental health problems
- Reduced consciousness
- Coma and even death
If you suspect you have any of the complications listed above, seek emergency care right away. Ask your doctor if you have additional questions.