Hyponatremia in adults

What is hyponatremia in adults?

Hyponatremia is a potentially serious disease, where the level of sodium in the blood becomes too low. An imbalance occurs, When the body becomes deficient sodium, required him to reallocate water from the blood plasma cells. As a result,, water enters the cells of the body, causing them to grow in size.

There are different types of hyponatremia, all of which leads to a low concentration of sodium in the body:

• Èuvolemičeskaâ hyponatremia – the volume of circulating blood and plasma in normal ranges, extracellular fluid volume and total sodium content within the normal range;
• Gipovolemičeskaâ hyponatremia – circulating blood volume deficit; reduction of sodium and extracellular fluid, and a deficiency of sodium exceeds water scarcity;
• Hypervolemic hyponatremia – the increase in the volume of circulating blood; the total content of sodium and extracellular fluid volume increased, but water is increasingly, than sodium.

Causes of hyponatremia

Giponatriemia can cause:

• Syndrome Of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (syndrome of inappropriate vasopressin production, SNPV) – vasopressin hormone hypersecretion syndrome (ADG), stimulating the kidneys to absorb more water, reducing diuresis. The result of this of this disorder is excess water in the body.
• Sweating – in persons, suffering from cystic fibrosis, excess sodium is excreted through sweat. It can also occur in patients with severe burns, without replenishment of electrolytes and fluids;
• Taking certain diuretics, increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine.

Risk factors of hyponatremia

Factors, that can increase the risk of hyponatremia include:

• Advanced age;
• Excessive water consumption without enough electrolytes – can occur in the following cases:
• People take part in competitions of endurance;
• Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea;
• Taking certain medications, such as some diuretics or antipsychotic drugs;
• Certain diseases, such as:
  • Renal failure;
  • Heart failure;
  • Severe liver disease – cirrhosis;
  • Hypothyroidism thyroid;
  • Inflammation of the pancreas – pancreatitis;
  • Inflammation of the abdominal cavity – peritonitis;
  • Some types of cancer;
  • Meningitis;
  • Head injury;
• Prostate operation in the past;
• Sweating people without cystic fibrosis or severe burns.

Symptoms of hyponatremia

People with mild hyponatremia typically have no symptoms. With the development of hyponatremia, symptoms appear and worsen over time.

Moderate or severe hyponatremia may cause the following symptoms:

• Nausea;
• Loss of appetite;
• Irritability;
• Headache;
• Restlessness;
• Slowness;
• Confusion;
• Hallucinations;
• Clonus.

Heavy and dramatically growing hyponatremia may cause cramps, coma or death.

Diagnosis of hyponatremia

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination. A doctor will ask about the quantity of liquid and prescribe certain tests.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests – to determine the level of sodium in the blood, and functioning of various organs;
• Analysis of urine – to determine the level of sodium in the urine.

To search for any underlying causes of hyponatremia can be assigned to other analyses and surveys.

Treatment of hyponatremia

Treatment of hyponatremia will depend upon the following reasons:

• What causes low sodium levels;
• How long had low sodium levels;
• How low levels of sodium;
• Hydration level of the body.

In cases, When sodium was low for more than 1-2 days, the doctor will prescribe medications to slow increase sodium level. When sodium levels are rising too fast, in the body can cause serious complications.

Options for treatment of hyponatremia may include:

• Limit fluid intake;
• Identification of the main causes of the loss of sodium and proper treatment;
• Medication, to help withdraw the excess fluid from the body;
• Intravenous fluids and electrolytes, in order to restore the balance of sodium.

Prevention of hyponatremia

To reduce the likelihood of hyponatremia:

• If you exercise, You should drink only as much water as, How many need to, to quench your thirst. Sports drinks, that contain all the necessary electrolytes, such as sodium, can be useful in endurance competitions;
• Consult your doctor, to cure diseases, that can cause giponatriemia.