Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate water levels and other bodily substances. Low sodium levels, or hyponatremia, can lead to lethargy, confusion, fatigue, and other symptoms. Treating the underlying cause may help.
As the condition worsens, individuals may experience symptoms such as vomiting, muscle twitches, and seizures.
Hyponatremia is the
It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney failure, or other factors, including drinking too much water or taking certain medications.
Health experts define a low sodium level in the blood as below 135 milliequivalents per liter. Severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 millimoles per liter. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal.
Mild hyponatremia may not cause symptoms, but if they occur, they can include:
- a headache
- fatigue and low energy
- nausea or vomiting
- low blood pressure
- dizziness when standing up
- restlessness
- irritability
- loss of appetite
If hyponatremia symptoms worsen, it may cause significant illness, disability, or in extreme cases, death.
Acute hyponatremia may also lead to serious brain swelling that can cause permanent disability or death.
If the condition worsens, it can cause severe symptoms, particularly in older adults. Severe symptoms and complications may include:
- vomiting
- muscle weakness, spasms, and twitching
- lethargy
- disorientation
Without
- rhabdomyolysis, where the skeletal muscle tissues die
- altered mental status, such as severe confusion
- seizures
- a coma
Other medical conditions and factors that can cause sodium levels to fall
- gastrointestinal fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting
- pancreatitis
- small bowel obstruction
- certain medications, including diuretics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- renal causes, such as acute or chronic renal failure
- congestive heart failure
- syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), where the body makes excess antidiuretic hormone
Taking the recreational drug ecstasy or MDMA also increases the risk of severe hyponatremia in
Other known causes of hyponatremia are certain hormone disorders. These include Addison’s disease, which reduces the body’s production of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Additionally, hypothyroidism, which doctors characterize as low levels of thyroid hormone, is another potential cause of hyponatremia.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing hyponatremia, including:
- older age
- having specific conditions, such as SIADH or kidney, heart, or liver disease
- taking certain diuretics, antidepressants, or pain medications
- taking ecstasy
- lifestyle factors, such as intense exercise, which may cause people to drink lots of water quickly
People at
Those with symptoms, including vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness, require immediate attention. They need to call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room.
A doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order a blood test to diagnose low sodium levels.
If the blood screening indicates low sodium levels, a healthcare professional will typically need to perform additional tests to determine the cause.
Treatment for hyponatremia
Restoring blood sodium levels
Those with mild to moderate hyponatremia due to lifestyle factors or medication could increase their sodium to usual levels by drinking less and adjusting or switching their medications.
Individuals with severe symptoms often require hospitalization and an intravenous sodium treatment to restore their sodium to its typical levels. They may also require drugs to treat seizures or other hyponatremia symptoms.
Treating the underlying cause
Hyponatremia often occurs due to an underlying condition, which will usually require specific treatment.
For example, if a person has liver disease, kidney disease, or heart disease, these can be potential causes of hyponatremia. These conditions may require treatment with medications or surgery.
People with a thyroid disorder can typically manage their symptoms and prevent hyponatremia and other complications with medications.
They may also need to make certain
SIADH usually requires ongoing treatment to prevent hyponatremia. Individuals with the condition may need to restrict their intake of fluids and take salt tablets and other medications.
To
- avoiding drinking excessive amounts of water
- consuming sports drinks during intense exercise
- avoiding taking ecstasy
- seeking treatment for medical conditions
- discussing medications with a doctor
- seeking medical care if vomiting or diarrhea symptoms persist
The outlook for people with low sodium levels depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.
Acute hyponatremia, which develops quickly, is more severe than chronic cases, which have a longer onset time. In severe cases, the condition can be fatal.
To improve their outlook, people need to be aware of the symptoms of hyponatremia and seek prompt medical attention if they experience them. Those at risk of low sodium levels should be especially vigilant.