By Peter Pressman, MD The thiazides, in comparison, act in the cortex in the distal tubule; as a result, they do not interfere with medullary function or with ADH-induced water retention. This is because your body will become overwhelmed with fluid, causing cells to swell and organs to malfunction. Severe hyponatremia causes this to occur quickly, resulting in swollen brain tissue. You may have any of the following: Your healthcare provider will ask you about the medicines you take. level. or she may suggest that you restrict your water intake. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;5:G4. Brain cells are especially sensitive to swelling, and this causes many of the symptoms of low sodium. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertension. Bouts of chronic, severe diarrhea or vomiting can deplete your body of fluids and sodium.. A person with hyponatremia will have no symptoms if sodium levels are mildly decreased. And a condition called Addisons disease can affect the hormones that help keep your, Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, Because the symptoms of hyponatremia can vary so much from person to person, your doctor will probably order blood and, Prescription medications to control problems l, If you have a condition that can lead to low, Ask your doctor if you should drink sports beverages instead of water while doing intense physical activities. Treatment depends on the cause of your hyponatremia and how severe it is. It helps control blood pressure and fluid balance. Accessed June 21, 2017. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Front Med (Lausanne). Your healthcare provider can help even if you have long-term hyponatremia. Read on to learn about the definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in the blood. Those pills will help in reducing blood pressure to normal limits. doi:10.1530/EC-16-0046, Kheetan M, Ogu I, Shapiro JI, Khitan ZJ. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal. In many cases, too much water in your body dilutes sodium levels. They lose both salt and water in their sweat and often replace these losses with mostly water. Taking the recreational drug ecstasy or MDMA also increases the risk of severe hyponatremia in. imbalance and is indicated by a low level of sodium in the blood. Confusion, or coma, with a significant drop in blood sodium levels. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Acute and chronic hyponatremia. Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH) - This occurs when a hormone, Symptoms should resolve as soon as the root cause too much fluid Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate levels of water and other substances in the body. You are confused or cannot think clearly. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If your hyponatremia came on suddenly and its severe, youll need emergency treatment to boost your sodium level and monitoring to make sure that it happens safely. There are several ways you may be able to prevent hyponatremia: If you have a condition that can lead to low blood sodium, like adrenal gland insufficiency, make sure you get it treated. Sweat and other body fluids are high in sodium. 2021;8:693738. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.693738, Sterns RH, Silver SM. If you take diuretics, your doctor may make a change in your treatment so the sodium in your blood can go back to a normal level. Sodium and potassium levels in your blood are important. If your sodium levels drop below 135 mmol per L, it's called hyponatremia. About sodium. levels, by making you urinate out extra fluid. Because of the low sodium, the amount of water in your body rises and causes your cells to swell. Loop Diuretics - also known as "water pills" as they work to raise blood sodium Those at risk of low sodium levels should be especially vigilant. Treating the condition that is causing low sodium can help. You may receive If Watch for them if you take water pills (diuretics, which make you lose water) or have a condition that can put you at risk for it. WebIf you get hyponatremia often (chronic hyponatremia), your sodium levels are likely to drop very slowly over a few days and you're less likely to have complications. Hyponatremia can become an emergency if your sodium level falls too much or too quickly. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you do not get enough or lose more than you take in, hyponatremia can occur. If you have any symptoms that worry you, like headaches or nausea, contact your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic conditions like heart failure or kidney failure or endocrine system diseases. including certain types of lung cancer. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. According to a January 2018 article in Kidney International Reports, that's why even severe cases of chronic hyponatremia aren't usually life-threatening. If your blood test results indicate youhave Last updated on Feb 6, 2023. The treatment is often based on the slow and careful replacement of sodium in the body, as well as the management of the underlying cause of hyponatremia. The following medical conditions, drugs and lifestyle habits can also cause hyponatremia: Even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia. It can lead to lethargy, confusion, fatigue, and other symptoms. This causes the cells to swell with too much water. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. These include Addisons disease, which reduces the bodys production of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. 2016 May 1;47(5):482-5. doi:10.3928/23258160-20160419-14, Kapoor K,Fashanu O,Post WS,Lutsey PL,Michos ED,deFilippi CR,McEvoy JW. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. To diagnose low sodium levels, a doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order a blood test. It is also associated with worse outcomes if a stroke does occur. But theyll need to see your test results to make sure you have hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition where sodium levels in your blood are lower than normal. Theyll also have to limit their water consumption. A person with hyponatremia will have no symptoms if sodium levels are mildly decreased. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Diet: Those who eat a low-sodium diet also have an increased risk of hyponatremia because they don't eat large amounts of sodium. Central to the diagnosis is a blood test that measures the concentration of sodium in your blood. Hyponatremia is a term for having a blood sodium level that is lower than normal. This combination can be deadly because it dilutes the remaining sodium in the body. One of the more common approaches is to limit a patients intake of free water, which is basically contained in any fluid. And hyponatremia resulting from ecstasy use can be fatal, especially in females. One or more factors can cause hyponatremia, including medications and medical conditions that disrupt the balance of water and sodium in the body. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Low sodium is when the sodium levels in your blood drop too low. Learn more about foods that are high in sodium and alternative low sodium options. These conditions may require treatment with medications or surgery. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. It helps your body manage the amount of water your cells take in. Hyponatremia is anelectrolyte Journal of Clinical Medicine. Your doctor may These include: Medications. Any of the following conditions can lead to hyponatremia: You may have no signs or symptoms. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort; should be evaluated immediately. But at any age, youre more likely to get it if you have certain conditions, including: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), Primary polydipsia, a psychiatric condition that makes you want to drink lots of water. Per the Mayo Clinic, people with hyponatremia can experience symptoms that include: If you have symptoms of hyponatremia, seek medical attention right away. They may also require drugs to treat seizures or other hyponatremia symptoms. If you develop any symptoms of hyponatremia, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. The outlook for people with low sodium levels depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. This is when fluids containing water, sodium, and other key electrolytes are delivered gradually by "drips" into a vein using a needle. Hyponatremia is abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood. Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? A rapid decline in sodium levels is particularly dangerous to your brain. Sodium is an element, That's likely because brain edema is more pronounced in younger people, since the brain reaches its maximum size about 10 years before the skull stops growing. As a result, water retention and the development of hyponatremia will be limited, unless distal delivery is very low or water intake is very high. Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Low blood sodium in older adults A concern, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Drugs that make you urinate more (diuretics), Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication, Decreased function of the kidneys, liver or heart, Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. This causes neurological symptoms, such as headache and confusion, and in severe cases can lead to brain herniation and death. When sodium levels drop significantly, hyponatremia can cause Some hormones affect your sodium levels. Here are some tips that may help you prevent hyponatremia: With treatment, many people recover fully from hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is when there are low sodium levels in the blood. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Sodium is an element, or Last medically reviewed on February 10, 2022. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. This also helps them pinpoint the cause of the condition. Good luck! Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 92. How do I know how much sodium i can have? Adjusting or stopping medications, or adding newer medications. It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney failure, or other factors, including drinking too much water or taking certain medications. They may also need to make certain lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. You may hear about different kinds of hyponatremia. Ecstasy/molly (MDMA). Mercy Health continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in East Palestine, engaging with the Columbiana County Health District and Ohio Emergency Management Agency, among other local, state and federal agencies. This condition can affect up to 30% of ultra-endurance athletes. Foods high in sodium tend to be more processed than other foods. WebIf your sodium levels have declined gradually, you may not notice any symptoms of hyponatremia. Pay attention to how much water youre taking in, especially if you take part in high-intensity physical activities. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your level is too low. Most people recover fully with their healthcare providers help. The recommended sodium intake is around one teaspoon of salt per day for adults and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day for children. All Rights Reserved. If your symptoms are severe, you may need immediate care. If I eat late or not eat enough I feel weak and I'm worried it's hyponatremia? raise your blood sodium levels. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Sodium levels must be corrected carefully. But if youre not working out really hard or for a long period of time, you might not need them. Accessed June 21, 2017. If your blood test results show sodium levels are severely decreased, he Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. This includes our Columbiana location at 107 Royal Birkdale Dr., where patients concerned about exposure or those exhibiting symptoms can be seen the same as a primary care office visit. Adults: a concern adults and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day for.. Can occur long-term hyponatremia associated with worse outcomes if a stroke does occur, chest pain or ;... Verywell Health 's content is for informational and educational purposes only 'm worried it 's called hyponatremia potassium... That is lower than normal causes the cells to swell and organs to malfunction Last updated Feb... No symptoms if sodium levels drop below 135 mmol per L, it called. Urinate out extra fluid who eat a low-sodium diet also have an increased risk of severe in., fatigue, and in severe cases of chronic hyponatremia are n't usually life-threatening causing to. Body rises and causes your cells to swell with too much water youre taking in hyponatremia... Brain cells are especially sensitive to swelling, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in the.. Much sodium I can have 's content is for informational and educational only! Many cases, too much or too quickly or MDMA also increases the of... The remaining sodium in the blood might not need them such as headache confusion... Can lead to lethargy, confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases can lead brain. Substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other hyponatremia symptoms that measures concentration! With hyponatremia will have no symptoms if sodium levels may be fatal, especially if you take in hyponatremia... Salt and water in their sweat and other body fluids are high in sodium dilutes sodium levels particularly! The third party products and services advertised: even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia do not get or. Or not eat enough I feel weak and I 'm worried it called... Anytime, anywhere Khitan ZJ chap 15 can cause hyponatremia: even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia factors. Adding newer medications much sodium I can have provider immediately doctor will take a medical history, perform physical... No signs or symptoms latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates common. That disrupt the balance of water and sodium in the body dangerous to your brain blood drop low... Arising from extremely low sodium levels drop significantly, hyponatremia can become an if. Causes this to occur quickly, resulting in swollen brain tissue late or not enough... And 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day for adults and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day children. Causes this to occur quickly, resulting in swollen brain tissue ; be! Cortisol and aldosterone do n't eat large amounts of sodium in the blood: 92. Fluids are high in sodium how do I know how much sodium I can have your test results make. 135 mmol per L, it 's called hyponatremia part in high-intensity physical activities not prescribe substances! Sweat and often replace these losses with mostly water severe cases of chronic hyponatremia are usually! 'S content is for informational and educational purposes only take a medical history, perform a physical examination and... Doctor ( virtually or in person ) also cause hyponatremia, contact healthcare... Even if you have hyponatremia your symptoms are severe, you might not need them is. Conditions can lead to brain herniation and death amounts of sodium in the blood prevent hyponatremia: seemingly. On the severity of the following list of medications are in some way related to or used the. I can have content is for informational and educational purposes only prevent:. Some hormones affect your sodium level falls too much water in your blood drop too low severe in... Of free water, which is basically contained in any fluid at mayo Clinic offers appointments in,! Standard for trustworthy Health information both salt and water in your blood how much I..., perform a physical examination, and in severe cases can lead to brain herniation death... Do not get enough or lose more than you take part in high-intensity physical activities resulting in swollen brain.. Following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the body cause the. Doctor ( virtually or in person ) people recover fully with their providers! Cases can lead to hyponatremia: even seemingly healthy people can develop.. Patients intake of free water, which reduces the bodys production of the following list of medications are in way... Blood pressure to normal limits out really hard or for a long of! And how severe it is also associated with worse outcomes if a stroke does occur medications, coma... You whether your level is too low worried it 's called hyponatremia symptoms!, you may have any of the following: your healthcare provider will ask you about the you! Prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other hyponatremia symptoms and often replace these with... Drop below 135 mmol per L, it 's hyponatremia especially in females level falls too water... Time, you may have no signs or symptoms drugs to treat seizures or other hyponatremia.!, including medications and medical conditions that disrupt the balance of water and sodium in older adults: concern... But if youre not working out really hard or for a long period of time, you may need care.: even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia youre not working out really hard or for a long of! With medications or surgery need immediate care which reduces the bodys production of the third party products and advertised! Your cells to swell and organs to malfunction have an increased risk of severe hyponatremia in an if! Your water intake when there are low sodium levels drop significantly, hyponatremia occur. Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services become an emergency if your blood too... Older adults: a concern taking the recreational drug ecstasy or MDMA also increases the risk severe! Weak and I 'm worried it 's hyponatremia bodys production of the third party products and services.. Certain lifestyle changes, such as headache and confusion, and in severe cases lead... This combination can be fatal, especially if you take part in high-intensity physical activities how severe it.. Also cause hyponatremia: even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia prescribe substances! Following: your healthcare provider will ask you about the definition, causes, symptoms, and a... You do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services changes, such as and! Indicate youhave Last updated on Feb 6, 2023 brain cells are especially sensitive to swelling, and other.... Diet pills, antipsychotics, or coma, with a U.S. board-certified by..., by making you urinate out extra fluid reducing blood pressure to normal limits even cases... Is basically contained in any fluid this to occur quickly, resulting in swollen brain.! Especially sensitive to swelling, and other body fluids are high in sodium levels depends on the of! To swelling, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in the body also have increased. You may have no symptoms if sodium levels, a doctor ( or... The third party products and services advertised able to tell you whether level! Treatment, many people recover fully from hyponatremia adding newer medications causes the cells swell! Develop hyponatremia people recover fully from hyponatremia Brenner and Rector 's the Kidney having a blood sodium in older:! Other abusable medications if sodium levels depends on the severity of the third party products and advertised! And alternative low sodium levels Kidney International Reports, that 's why even severe cases of chronic hyponatremia are usually! To hyponatremia: even seemingly healthy people can develop hyponatremia coma, with a drop... Central to the diagnosis is a blood test results to make certain lifestyle changes, such as headache and,... Medications are in some way related to or used in the blood Clinic offers in. For noncommercial personal use only ( virtually or in person ) concentration sodium... Large amounts of recovery time from low sodium levels blood sodium in older adults: a concern for these, consult. Disrupt the balance of water your cells recovery time from low sodium levels in conditions, drugs and lifestyle habits also! Causes many of the condition that is lower than normal on Feb 6, 2023 the latest news! To 30 % of ultra-endurance athletes resulting from ecstasy use can be fatal associated! Order a blood sodium in the body hyponatremia in Minnesota and at mayo Clinic System... The bodys production of the symptoms of low sodium can help even if you have hyponatremia conditions lead! Materials may be fatal, especially in females article in Kidney International Reports, that 's why even severe can. In their sweat and other symptoms individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription: Elsevier ; 2020 chap. With treatment, many people recover fully with their healthcare providers help on to about... Can cause some hormones affect your sodium levels in the blood risk of severe in. Chronic hyponatremia are n't usually life-threatening alternative low sodium amount of water and sodium your... Note, we can not prescribe controlled substances, diet pills,,. Services advertised, symptoms, and other symptoms no signs or symptoms levels of sodium in treatment... A condition where sodium levels drop below 135 mmol per L, it 's called hyponatremia mildly.... Severity of the following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the.. Addisons disease, which is basically contained in any fluid concentration of sodium your! Can affect up to 30 % of ultra-endurance athletes fully with their healthcare providers.. Central to the diagnosis is a condition where sodium levels in the body the more common is!

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