Hyponatremia is a condition caused by insufficient sodium levels in the body fluid surrounding cells, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, and water retention. It is diagnosed through serum and urine tests and can be treated with intravenous fluids, a restricted diet, and medications. Causes include burns, dehydration, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. It can be life-threatening and affects the brain and heart. If suspected, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Hyponatremia is the result of an insufficiency of sodium in the body fluid surrounding cells. Adequate levels of sodium are important for maintaining blood pressure and for keeping nerves and muscles functioning properly. There are several symptoms of hyponatremia, and while it occurs in only a small percentage of people, it is the most common electrolyte disorder treated in the United States.
Common symptoms of this condition include fatigue, irritability, headaches and water retention, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. Other symptoms of hyponatremia are mental in nature and include abnormal or confused mental status, hallucinations, and possibly unconsciousness. Often, confusion and changes in a person’s mental state are the first serious signs as brain cells cannot accommodate the swelling caused by water retention that accompanies hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is diagnosed through serum and urine tests. There is almost always an underlying cause of hyponatremia, which also needs to be diagnosed and treated. Insufficient sodium levels can be treated with intravenous fluids, a restricted diet, and supplemental oxygen. Medications that offset some of the symptoms of hyponatremia may also be given to restore comfort and prevent seizures.
Causes of hyponatremia include burns, dehydration from excessive vomiting or diarrhea, congestive heart failure, as a side effect of diuretics, kidney disease, and some other diseases. Acute hyponatremia, which is a sudden decrease in sodium levels over a 24-48 hour period, often due to extreme physical exertion or dehydration, is considered more dangerous than chronic hyponatremia which can occur with certain diseases or disturbances.
Hyponatremia can be life-threatening, especially if the brain cells are unable to accommodate the swelling that can occur. This condition can also affect the heart. Although some signs of hyponatremia can be confused with other conditions, if a person suspects they have an electrolyte imbalance or has other symptoms of hyponatremia or dehydration, they should see a doctor right away.
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