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Hyponatremia is a dangerous electrolyte imbalance caused by low blood sodium levels. Excessive fluid consumption, kidney problems, and dehydration are common causes. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and hospitalization in extreme cases. Athletes should use salty sports drinks instead of plain water to avoid hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is a type of medical condition known as an electrolyte imbalance in which blood sodium levels are lower than normal. An electrolyte is a substance found in the blood that has the ability to conduct electricity, helping the body’s cells and organs function properly. Sodium is the electrolyte responsible for regulating the amount of water in the body, and an extreme sodium imbalance can be fatal if left untreated. Common symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, nausea, and muscle weakness. The most common causes of hyponatremia include excessive fluid consumption, kidney problems, and dehydration.
Excessive fluid consumption is a leading cause of hyponatremia among athletes. Many times, an athlete will drink plenty of water when planning long-term endurance activities such as running a marathon. This excessive water consumption can dilute the amount of sodium in the blood, causing hyponatremia. The person may experience seizures, become confused, or even lose consciousness. To avoid this problem, the athlete should use salty sports drinks instead of plain water or increase the intake of salty foods.
Kidney problems, especially kidney disease or kidney failure, are another major cause of hyponatremia. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess water and waste materials from the body. If the kidneys are not working properly, excess fluids can build up in the body, causing sodium levels to dilute and hyponatremia to develop. Salt and fluid restrictions may be recommended by a doctor if your kidneys aren’t functioning normally.
Dehydration is another major cause of hyponatremia. Dehydration occurs when there is not enough water in the body and can occur from excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, even if the patient is ill with a viral or bacterial infection that causes vomiting or diarrhea, or while exercising. Sports drinks that work to replenish electrolytes may be a better choice than water in these cases.
Treatment options for low sodium depend on the causes of your hyponatremia. Lifestyle changes such as altering your diet or the amount or type of fluids you consume can often help avoid the problem altogether. There are a few medications available to treat hyponatremia, some are taken at home and some are delivered by medical professionals. In extreme cases of hyponatremia, hospitalization may be required to restore proper electrolyte balance in the body.
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