What are the dangers of low sodium?
Those include:
- Bowel diseases — People with ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome do not absorb salt well. ...
- Adrenal insufficiency — This is also called Addison’s disease and happens when the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol. ...
- Hypothyroidism — Thyroid hormones help control metabolism and the kidneys’ ability to resorb salt. ...
What happens if low sodium is not corrected?
While your body works to maintain tight control over its sodium level, you can sometimes lose too much sodium via sweat or due to illness. Low sodium can have life-threatening effects if left untreated. Seeking medical attention before the problem becomes severe can help keep your body functioning optimally. Sodium Levels
How does low sodium affect a person?
You may experience low sodium symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these low sodium symptoms can be severe: Abdominal pain or cramping; Bloating; Body aches; Changes in mood, personality or behavior; Difficulty with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, reading or writing; Dizziness; Headache; Impaired balance and coordination
What are the problems with low sodium?
Low sodium levels, or hyponatremia, can lead to confusion, a coma or even death. It is the most common electrolyte disorder in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low sodium levels must be treated promptly to avoid life-threatening complications.
What happens when your body is low on sodium?
Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an essential role in regulating levels of water and other substances in the body. When sodium levels in the blood become too low, it leads to hyponatremia, causing symptoms that include lethargy, confusion, and fatigue.
What causes sodium levels to drop?
A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
How do you fix a low sodium?
TreatmentIntravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood. ... Medications. You may take medications to manage the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea and seizures.
Should I eat more salt if my sodium is low?
Our bodies need a small amount of salt for a variety of functions, such as the working of nerves and muscles. However, there is enough sodium present in all foods that a lack of sodium does not generally cause any problems in these areas. It is rarely necessary to add extra salt to food.
What is the most common cause of low sodium?
Kidney problems So, the most common reason for low sodium is a kidney problem. When the kidneys are not functioning normally, which can be seen in chronic kidney disease or even temporary dehydration, the body holds too much water. And the proportion of sodium compared to water in the body lowers the sodium level.
What can I drink to raise my sodium level?
There are plenty of high-sodium beverage options to choose from.Sports Drinks. Sports drinks are especially formulated for rehydration, with between 108 and 271 milligrams of sodium per 8 ounces of liquid. ... Vegetable Juices. ... Other Beverages. ... Canned Soups and Bouillon.
What drink is high in sodium?
Hot cocoa from a mix, prepared with water, contains 232 milligrams of sodium, and flavored instant coffee contains 124 milligrams. Some fruit drinks can have a relatively high amount of sodium, too -- canned orange juice contains 77 milligrams and canned lemonade has 60 milligrams.
Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water goes into your cells and makes them swell. This swelling can be dangerous especially in the brain, since the brain cannot expand past the skull.
What is a critical sodium level?
In many hospital laboratories 160 mEq/L is chosen as the upper critical value. The evidence of this study suggests that sodium in the range of 155-160 mEq/L is associated with high risk of death and that 155 mEq/L rather than 160 mEq/L might be more suitable as the upper critical level.
What causes low sodium in older people?
Hyponatremia in elderly subjects is mainly caused by drugs (more frequently thiazides and antidepressants), the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIAD) or endocrinopathies; however, hyponatremia is multifactorial in a significant proportion of patients.
Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water goes into your cells and makes them swell. This swelling can be dangerous especially in the brain, since the brain cannot expand past the skull.
How do you raise the sodium level in your blood?
It may include:cutting back on fluid intake.adjusting the dosage of diuretics.taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.treating underlying conditions.stopping or changing a medication for a chronic condition that may be negatively affecting blood sodium.an intravenous (IV) sodium solution.
What happens when the sodium in your blood is abnormally low?
Hyponatremia 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.
How to prevent low sodium?
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.
What is the normal sodium level?
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: Certain medications. Some medications, such as some water pills (diuretics), ...
Why does my body lose sodium?
Chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea and other causes of dehydration. This causes your body to lose electrolytes, such as sodium, and also increases ADH levels. Drinking too much water. Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause low sodium by overwhelming the kidneys' ability to excrete water.
Why do older people have hyponatremia?
Older adults may have more contributing factors for hyponatremia, including age-related changes, taking certain medications and a greater likelihood of developing a chronic disease that alters the body's sodium balance.
What causes sodium to be lowered?
Heart, kidney and liver problems. Congestive heart failure and certain diseases affecting the kidneys or liver can cause fluids to accumulate in your body, which dilutes the sodium in your body, lowering the overall level. Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH).
How long does it take for sodium to drop?
In 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.
What are the risks of low sodium?
having heart failure, kidney disease, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), or other conditions. If you’re at risk for low sodium, you may need to be more careful about your intake of electrolytes and water.
What does it mean when your sodium is low?
The results of this test will help your doctor determine the cause of your low blood sodium: If your blood sodium levels are low but your urine sodium levels are high, your body is losing too much sodium. Low sodium levels in both your blood and your urine mean your body isn’t taking in enough sodium. There may also be too much water in your body.
What is the sodium level in your blood?
In other words, there’s either too much water or not enough sodium in your blood. Normally, your sodium level should be between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter.
How to prevent low sodium levels?
Prevention of low blood sodium. Keeping your water and electrolyte levels in balance can help prevent low blood sodium. If you’re an athlete, it’s important to drink the right amount of water during exercise. You should also consider drinking rehydration beverages like Gatorade or Powerade.
Why is sodium important?
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. It’s important for proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels. Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia. It occurs when water and sodium are out of balance.
What happens if your sodium levels drop?
If they drop very quickly, your symptoms may be more severe. Losing sodium quickly is a medical emergency. It can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and coma. Common symptoms of low blood sodium include: weakness. fatigue or low energy.
What is the best way to check for low sodium?
A blood test can help your doctor check for low sodium levels. Even if you don’t have symptoms of low blood sodium, your doctor may order a basic metabolic panel. This tests the amounts of electrolytes and minerals in your blood. A basic metabolic panel is often part of a routine physical.
What are the symptoms of low sodium levels?
The symptoms of hyponatremia are related to the way it causes fluid shifts in the brain. The severity of symptoms depends on both the sodium levels and how fast sodium levels change.
How do you treat low sodium levels?
The most important treatment for low sodium is treating the underlying cause. Your provider will make sure you are getting the best treatment for your illness while correcting your sodium levels.
What causes low sodium (hyponatremia)?
Hyponatremia, or a low sodium level, is the most common electrolyte problem. Sodium levels in the blood are affected by how much sodium we eat or how much water we drink. However, the body adjusts for variations in our diet in order to maintain normal sodium levels. Below are some of the common causes of hyponatremia.
What does it mean when you have low sodium?
Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have too much water in your blood. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities.
How to treat hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia treatments may include changing a medication that affects your sodium level, treating the underlying disease, changing the amount of water you drink or changing the amount of salt in your diet.
Why is hyponatremia more common in older adults?
Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder. These risk factors include: Drugs that make you urinate more (diuretics) Some types of antidepressants. Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication.
What are the causes of hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder. These risk factors include: 1 Drugs that make you urinate more (diuretics) 2 Some types of antidepressants 3 Carbamazepine, an anti-seizure medication 4 Underactive thyroid or adrenal glands 5 Decreased function of the kidneys, liver or heart 6 Certain cancers, including lung cancer 7 Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration
What happens if you have low sodium?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have serious symptoms of low sodium, such as a change in mental status (con fusion or hallucinations ); a change in level of consciousness, ...
What are the potential complications of low sodium?
Complications of untreated or poorly controlled low sodium can be serious, even life threatening in some cases. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care provider design specifically for you. Complications of low sodium include:
What are the risk factors for low sodium?
A number of factors increase the risk of developing low sodium. Not all people with risk factors will get low sodium. Risk factors for low sodium include:
What are the three types of hyponatremia?
Electrolytes are critical for proper functioning of all body systems. There are three types of hyponatremia: euvolemic, hypervolemic and hypovolemic. Euvolemic hyponatremia occurs when your body’s water content is normal but your sodium level declines. Hypervolemic hypona tremia is when water is increased relative to sodium levels.
What causes low sodium levels?
A number of medical conditions or circumstances can lead to low sodium levels including: Adrenal gland disease. Burns. Certain medications such as diuretics. Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Congestive heart failure.
How do you know if you have low sodium?
Common symptoms of low sodium. You may experience low sodium symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these low sodium symptoms can be severe: Abdominal pain or cramping. Bloating. Body aches. Changes in mood, personality or behavior. Difficulty with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, reading or writing.
Why is my sodium level low?
There are several common causes of low sodium, including diarrhea, excessive sweating, and vomiting. Medications that are prescribed to treat high blood pressure or fluid retention, called diuretics, can lead to low sodium levels.
What is the definition of low sodium?
Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an essential role in regulating the levels of water and other substances in the body. The definition of a low sodium level is below 135 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) .
How to diagnose low sodium levels?
To diagnose low sodium levels, a doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and order a blood test. If the blood test shows low sodium levels, the doctor will typically need to perform additional tests to determine the cause.
What is hyponatremia in the body?
Diagnosis. Treatment. Prevention. Takeaway. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium levels in the blood are too low. Symptoms include lethargy, confusion, and fatigue. It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney failure, or other factors, such as drinking too much water or taking certain medications. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an ...
What is the most common electrolyte disorder?
As the condition worsens, people may experience symptoms, such as: Severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 mEq/L. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder that doctors encounter.
How to get sodium levels back to normal?
adjusting medication dose or switching medications. Individuals with severe symptoms often require hospitalization and an intravenous (IV) sodium treatment to get their sodium levels back to normal. They may also require drugs to treat seizures or other hyponatremia symptoms.
What causes sodium levels to fall?
Other medical conditions and factors that can cause sodium levels to fall include: syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) People with SIADH produce excessive levels of the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which can lower sodium levels.
How to restore sodium levels?
Those who have mild to moderate hyponatremia resulting from lifestyle factors or medication may be able to increase sodium to normal levels by: drinking less fluids (often less than 1 quart per day) adjusting medication dose or switching medications.
What happens if your sodium level is too low?
Once your sodium reaches that dangerously low point, you can have seizures or start convulsing uncontrollably as you lose muscle control. Ultimately, as your heart rhythm continues to slow down, you may pass out or slip into a coma, possibly resulting in a fatality. av-override. ‒‒:‒‒. /. ‒‒:‒‒. Replay. Skip.
Why is sodium bad for you?
As your sodium level starts dropping, you’ll begin to feel very tired and unable to perform your usual tasks. Your muscles weaken, you may become confused and headaches might start to set in. You could also feel nauseated or even throw up.
How does sodium affect your body?
Sodium works hard with other electrolyte minerals to maintain an even amount of fluid in and around cells. Without adequate sodium in your body, the fluid concentrations shift. The electrical current that powers your muscles and heart rhythm deteriorates, resulting in an abnormally weak heartbeat.
Why is my sodium level low?
Some causes aren’t so obvious, however. An abnormally low sodium level could be a sign of kidney disease, heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver.
What happens if you have too much sodium?
Excess sodium increases your blood pressure and leads to heart disease if you continuously consume a lot of it. However, sodium does have important functions in your system, such as balancing fluid and conducting electricity for muscle and heart processes. So if your sodium levels get too low, these functions don’t work properly. In some cases, a very low sodium level can be a warning sign that something is wrong with vital organs.
Is it bad to have a low sodium level?
It isn’t common for sodium levels to be low, but once your sodium drops below 135 mEq/L, it can be problematic. Having a level of 125 milliequivalents per liter or less is severely dangerous. Some labs may use slightly different values. Check with your lab technician or physician to see if your sodium level is off.
What happens if you have low sodium?
And while too much of the salty stuff can be quite dangerous -- causing high blood pressure and increasing the risk for various diseases -- a small amount of the nutrient is necessary for normal body function.
What is the normal sodium level in blood?
According to “Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications,” the normal sodium level in the blood is 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter of blood. Any value below 135 mEq/L is considered to be a low sodium level, a condition medically referred to as hyponatremia.
Why is swelling in the brain dangerous?
Because brain cells are so tightly confined by the skull bones, even a small amount of swelling can be dangerous. This is particularly dangerous when sodium levels drop rapidly, causing brain cells to swell rapidly. Without immediate medical treatment, this rapid swelling could lead to coma and death.
How do you know if you have hyponatremia?
Symptoms. The common symptoms of hyponatremia are related to brain swelling. Early symptoms might include confusion, headache and irritability. As the swelling progresses, additional symptoms might include hallucinations, loss of consciousness and coma. Since sodium also plays a role in muscle contraction, critically low sodium levels can also ...
Why is sodium important?
It circulates through the bloodstream and plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure and fluid balance. When sodium levels in the bloodstream drop, the body attempts to compensate by moving water from the bloodstream into the cells. This fluid shift attempts to create a safe ratio of sodium to water -- so the sodium is neither too ...
Can low sodium cause muscle spasms?
Since sodium also plays a role in muscle contraction, critically low sodium levels can also cause muscle weakness, cramps or spasms.
Is sodium shift dangerous?
Dangers. Typically, the swelling that occurs with a sodium shift is relatively harmless. Most cells can handle the influx of water -- and while you might notice uncomfortable puffiness or swelling in various areas of your body, it typically has no ill effects. But when the cells in the brain swell, it’s much more detrimental.
What is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood?
Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood.
How much does low sodium cause LDL cholesterol?
In a 2003 review of studies in healthy people, low sodium diets caused a 4.6% increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a 5.9% increase in triglycerides ( 20 ).
Why are older people at higher risk for hyponatremia?
Trusted Source. ). That’s because older adults are more likely to have an illness or take medication that can reduce sodium levels in the blood.
What is hyponatremia in the brain?
Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. Its symptoms are similar to those caused by dehydration. In severe cases, the brain may swell, which can lead to headaches, seizures, coma, and even death ( 27. Trusted Source.
Does low sodium cause diabetes?
Low sodium diets have been associated with increased insulin resistance, a condition that causes higher blood sugar and insulin levels. This may lead to type 2 diabetes and other serious diseases.
Which population has a higher risk of hyponatremia?
Certain populations, like older adults, have a higher risk of hyponatremia ( 28 ).
Is sodium a restriction?
This article discusses sodium restriction in the general population. If you have been prescribed a low-sodium diet by your healthcare professional, or need to adhere to a low-sodium diet to manage a condition, the following information may not apply to you. Sodium is an important electrolyte and main component of table salt.
Overview
- Hyponatremia 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. 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'…
Symptoms
- Hyponatremia signs and symptoms may include: 1. Nausea and vomiting 2. Headache 3. Confusion 4. Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue 5. Restlessness and irritability 6. Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps 7. Seizures 8. Coma
Causes
- Sodium 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 h…
Risk Factors
- The following factors may increase your risk of hyponatremia: 1. Age.Older adults may have more contributing factors for hyponatremia, including age-related changes, taking certain medications and a greater likelihood of developing a chronic disease that alters the body's sodium balance. 2. Certain drugs.Medications that increase your risk of hyponatremia include thiazide diuretics as …
Complications
- In 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 greate...
Prevention
- The following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia: 1. Treat associated conditions.Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. 2. Educate yourself.If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of hyponatremia or you take diuretic medications, be aware of …