ADH, also known as vasopressin, helps regulate how much water your body loses through urine.
The treatment varies by the underlying cause.
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What Does ADH (Vasopressin) Do in the Body?
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
When sodium concentrations are abnormally low, you are said to havehyponatremia.
Depending on how low sodium concentrations are, symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Other Causes
Several other conditions can cause secondary SIADH (also known as acquired SIADH).
Even so, the exact relationship between these conditions and SIADH is largely unknown.
SIADH can also be inherited due to a genetic mutation of theX chromosome.
Nephrogenic SIADH is characterized by chronic fluid retention and chronic hyponatremia.
In addition, upwards of 17% of cases of SIADH areidiopathic(meaning of unknown origin).
If hyponatremia requires hospitalization, the risk of mortality (death) is significant.
Complications of SIADH mainly stem fromcerebral edema, a condition in which fluids accumulate in the brain.
Confirming SIADH as the Cause of Hyponatremia
SIADH may be recognized by the appearance of acute symptoms.
Diagnosing SIADH can be tricky because hyponatremia has many different causes.
This includes nephrogenic SIADH and certain medications.
Drinking water alone will not improve your condition.
Otherintravenousdrugs may also be used to counter the effect of vasopressin.
Defects in vasopressin receptors in the kidneys can also cause SIADH.
SIADH can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests.
Treatment involves resolving the underlying cause and restoring the normal balance of sodium and water in the body.
In severe cases, treatment is delivered in a hospital with intravenous saline fluids.
