OverviewHyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. Show
In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at resolving the underlying condition. Depending on the cause of hyponatremia, you may simply need to cut back on how much you drink. In other cases of hyponatremia, you may need intravenous electrolyte solutions and medications. SymptomsHyponatremia signs and symptoms may include:
When to see a doctorSeek emergency care for anyone who develops severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness. Call your doctor if you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and are experiencing nausea, headaches, cramping or weakness. Depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and
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opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesSodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body's fluid balance. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Many possible conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to hyponatremia, including:
Risk factorsThe following factors may increase your risk of hyponatremia:
ComplicationsIn chronic hyponatremia, sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer — and symptoms and complications are typically more moderate. In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death. Premenopausal women appear to be at the greatest risk of hyponatremia-related brain damage. This may be related to the effect of women's sex hormones on the body's ability to balance sodium levels. PreventionThe following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia:
Which of the following patient conditions can contribute to a pure water deficit hypertonic dehydration )?There are a variety of underlying conditions that can result in hypertonic dehydration, including diarrhea, vomiting, infection, kidney disease, abdominal infections, diabetes insipidus, and excessive sweating.
Which of the following signs would indicate a fluid deficit?Decreased blood pressure with an elevated heart rate and a weak or thready pulse are hallmark signs of fluid volume deficit.
Which patient is most at risk for developing hypernatremia?The greatest risk factor is age older than 65 years. In addition, mental or physical disability may result in impaired thirst sensation, an impaired ability to express thirst, and/or decreased access to water. Hypernatremia often is the result of several concurrent factors. The most prominent is poor fluid intake.
Which of the following conditions will make a patients more prone to developing hypokalemia?In general, hypokalemia is associated with diagnoses of cardiac disease, renal failure, malnutrition, and shock. Hypothermia and increased blood cell production (for example, leukemia) are additional risk factors for developing hypokalemia.
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