If it’s below 135 mEq/L, it’s hyponatremia. If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you'll need more-aggressive treatment. 7th ed. 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. Accessed April 6, 2018. But at any age, you’re 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 waterÂ. The treatment for critically low sodium levels usually includes reducing the fluid intake, treating the symptoms themselves, and adjusting the dosage of diuretics or any other medications that might be causing the symptoms in the first place. Options include: 1. Symptoms are more serious when blood sodium … Ecstasy/molly (MDMA). It can dilute the amount of sodium in your blood. Accessed April 6, 2018. Have you started taking any new medications? Since older adults are usually more likely to take certain medications or develop chronic diseases, they’re generally more likely to get hyponatremia. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Hyponatremia is a low sodium concentration in the blood. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Doctors think this may be because of how female sex hormones affect sodium levels. Â. Hypervolemic hyponatremia may be caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease. Treatment depends on the … There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping. It usually happens when people drink too much during endurance events like marathons or triathlons, and also lose sodium through their sweat. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your level is too low. In: Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. That can affect your sodium level. Severe sodium deficiency requires treatment with … Health problems. Bope ET, et al. If you consume very high amounts of hydrating foods plus water, but … You may not have any symptoms if your hyponatremia is very mild. If you drink too much water when you do something that’s physically very hard -- like a marathon -- you may be more likely to develop hyponatremia. This can cause: You’re at higher risk of getting brain damage from hyponatremia if you’re a woman who hasn’t gone through menopause. 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 … Include high-fiber foods. If you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and start seeing symptoms, call your doctor. If your doctor thinks you drink too much water, you may need to cut back. Kengne FG, et al. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible. In an emergency setting, low sodium is most often treated with the introduction of a sodium chloride solution into the bloodstream through intravenous (IV) delivery. Irritability 5. Accessed April 6, 2018. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2017. Intravenous (IV) treatment with a base called sodium bicarbonate is one way to balance acids in the blood. All rights reserved. Sodium-Infused Juices. IV infusion with a sodium solution to slowly raise levels in your blood over a few days Prescription medications to control problems l ike headache s, nausea, or seizures Hyponatremia Complications Seek emergency care if you have: There are a lot of reasons your sodium level might get too low. It ‘s used to treat conditions that cause acidosis through bicarbonate (base) loss. Some are mild, but others can be serious and even life-threatening. Options include: Seek emergency care for anyone who develops severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness. It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L (135 mEq/L), with severe hyponatremia being below 120 … Treat associated conditions. Eating low sodium … He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood. Muscle cramps 6. Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical examination. Have you felt faint, had seizures or lost consciousness? Have your symptoms included any mental changes, such as feeling confused, agitated or depressed? These drinks have electrolytes that include sodium. 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. Do you use recreational drugs? Pay attention to how much water you’re taking in, especially if you take part in high-intensity physical activities. If 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. Have your symptoms included weakness, fatigue or lethargy? What are your symptoms and when did they start? https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia. Therefore the medication should be changed to drugs that do not … Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. Your blood sodium level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). And a condition called Addison’s 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. Know the symptoms of hyponatremia. Educate yourself. National Kidney Foundation. To confirm low blood sodium, your doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. If your symptoms are severe, you may need immediate care. If yes, which drugs? Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Dr. Ramin Rafie answered 17 years experience Geriatrics Water restrictions: There are 2 ways of treating this 1- restricting water intake 2- taking … There are two reliable ways to know how much water you should have: your thirst and the color of your urine. Drinks enriched with sodium such as … If sodium loss progresses or drops rapidly, several symptoms can occur including:2 1. changes in personality like confusion, irritability, restlessness, or a short temper 2. fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness 3. headache 4. convulsions and seizures 5. feeling nauseous or vomitin… Disease can affect the hormones that help keep your electrolytes in check make any changes to how water...: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https: //www.clinicalkey.com not endorse companies or products your. Can happen because of how female sex hormones affect sodium levels.  are... As adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium in bloodstream... A long period of time, you may need to see your test results to make any changes how! Help keep your electrolytes in check through menopause use only help you maintain or reach a healthy body weight acute. The risks of a new medication in and around the cells in your blood suggest adjusting your use! 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