What are the Symptoms of Hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is the result of insufficient sodium in the body fluid that surrounds cells. Proper sodium levels are important in maintaining blood pressure and in keeping nerves and muscles functioning properly. The condition of having insufficient or low levels of sodium is called hyponatremia. There are several symptoms of hyponatremia and though it occurs in only a small percentage of people, it is the most common electrolyte disorder treated in the United States.
Common symptoms of hyponatremia include fatigue, irritability, headache, and water retention, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting. Other signs or symptoms of hyponatremia are mental in nature and include abnormal or confused mental status, hallucination, and possibly unconsciousness. Often times abnormal presence of mind and confusion are the first serious symptoms of hyponatremia as the brain cells cannot accommodate swelling due to the water retention that accompanies hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is diagnosed through serum and urine testing. There is generally always an underlying cause of hyponatremia, which must also be diagnosed and treated. Insufficient sodium levels can be treated with intravenous fluids, restricted diet, and supplemental oxygen. Medications that offset some of the symptoms of hyponatremia can also be administered to restore comfort and prevent seizures.
Causes of hyponatremia include burns, dehydration due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea, congestive heart failure, as a side effect of diuretics, kidney disease and certain other diseases. Acute hyponatremia, such as a sudden reduction in sodium levels over a 24 to 48 hour period due to extreme physical exertion or dehydration, is considered more dangerous than chronic hyponatremia that can occur with certain diseases or disorders.
Hyponatremia can be life threatening, especially if the brain cells cannot accommodate the swelling that may occur. Hyponatremia can also affect the heart. Though some signs of hyponatremia may be confused with other conditions, if you suspect an electrolyte imbalance or have symptoms of hyponatremia or dehydration, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Written by J. Beam
