Pariwash Ayaz
Hyponatremia means that the sodium level in the blood is below normal. Your body needs sodium for fluid balance, blood pressure control, as well as the nerves and muscles. The normal blood sodium level is 135 to 145 mill equivalents/liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L
” SYMPTOMS OF HYPONATREMIA: COMMON SYMPTOMS: weakness· fatigue or low energy· headache· nausea· vomiting· muscle cramps or spasms· confusion· irritability·
SEVERE SYMPTOMS: overactive reflexes· loss of consciousness· seizures· coma· and in the most severe cases, death·
What happens when you have Hyponatremia? Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of Hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe Hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.
CAUSES OF HYPONATREMIA: In general, too much water in your body is usually the main problem and this dilutes the sodium levels. Much less frequently, Hyponatremia is due to significant sodium loss from your body. Too much water in your body causes your blood to become “watered down.” A good example is people who run in long races or run on hot days. They lose both salt and water in their sweat and often replace these losses with mostly water. This combination can be deadly because it dilutes the remaining sodium in the body. It’s also possible to lose too much sodium from your body. Medications, like diuretics, can cause your kidneys to increase the amount of sodium excreted in urine.
Medical problems like diarrhea may cause excessive sodium loss if left untreated. Chronic or binge alcohol consumption can cause people to lose too much sodium through increased urination and vomiting. You can have Hyponatremia without feeling dehydrated or volume depleted. This is most often the case in hospitalized patients.
PREVENTION: The following measures may help you prevent Hyponatremia: Treat associated conditions: Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to· Hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. Educate yourself: If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of· Hyponatremia or you take diuretic medications, be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sodium. Always talk with your doctor about the risks of a new medication.
Take precautions during high-intensity activities: Athletes should drink only as· much fluid as they lose due to sweating during a race. Thirst is generally a good guide to how much water or other fluids you need. Consider drinking sports beverages during demanding activities: Ask your· doctor about replacing water with sports beverages that contain electrolytes when participating in endurance events such as marathons, triathlons and other demanding activities. How common is Hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is very common. Hyponatremia is the most common chemical abnormality seen among patients in the hospital. Rates of Hyponatremia are higher among people admitted to inpatient hospital care units. Drink water in moderation: Drinking water is vital for your health, so make sure· you drink enough fluids. But don’t overdo it. Thirst and the color of your urine are usually the best indications of how much water you need. If you’re not thirsty and your urine is pale yellow, you are likely getting enough water.
The article has been supervised by Dr. Muhammad Noman Khan University of Karachi