Symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, confusion, and weakness.
In extreme cases, it can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
Overhydration anddehydrationcan cause hyponatremia, throwing off the balance of electrolytes.
Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee, Verywell
To treat hyponatremia, you must address underlying issues and restore sodium and water levels in the body.
This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatments of hyponatremia.
It also covers possible complications and ways to prevent the condition.
What Is Hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia means there is too little of the electrolyte sodium in your blood.
For your body to function correctly, it needs balanced electrolytes.
The main electrolytes include:
Sodium is anessential electrolytewith several roles.
A normal sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
What Causes Low Sodium Levels?
Primary adrenal insufficiency, known asAddison’s disease, is another cause of hypovolemic hyponatremia.
It is also seen in people who consumeexcess amounts of alcoholor use the drug ecstasy.
It is the most common cause of hyponatremia.
If you have hyperglycemia, a corrected sodium calculation is necessary to assess your sodium levels properly.
Another rare complication of severe hyponatremia isrhabdomylosis.
Inrhabdomyolysis, muscles begin to break down.
The components released during muscle breakdown can cause kidney injury.
With proper intervention, the condition is treatable.
A simple, in-office neurological exam may also be performed.
Other therapies may include:
It is essential to treat hyponatremia promptly and appropriately.
Summary
Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte condition that varies considerably in severity and etiology (cause).
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