Have your symptoms been getting any better or worse since they first developed? If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you'll need more-aggressive treatment. Your doctor may ask: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. is there a treatment for hyponatremia (low sodium)? If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood. Differentiating between euvolemia and hypovolemia can … If you consume very high amounts of hydrating foods plus water, but … Hyponatremia is an important electrolyte abnormality with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Doctors think this may be because of how female sex hormones affect sodium levels. Â. Kengne FG, et al. And a condition called Addison’s disease can affect the hormones that help keep your electrolytes in check. Accessed April 6, 2018. The following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia: 1. If yes, which drugs? National Kidney Foundation. You need some sodium in your bloodstream to control how much water is in and around the cells in your body. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It usually happens when people drink too much during endurance events like marathons or triathlons, and also lose sodium through their sweat. Hypervolemic hyponatremia may be caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease. Health problems. Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? Balancing Your Fluid Intake and Output Limit your water intake to 1–1.5 L (34–51 fl oz) per day if … Learn more about low sodium levels, risk factors, prevention and treatment here.Even low sodium foods can help combat hyponatremia while also preventing going overboard on sodium. Drinking too much water. Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. Since so many different things can cause hyponatremia, your treatment depends on the cause. Some hormones affect your sodium levels. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea, muscle cramps, dehydration, and fever due to its property of holding water in the body … Most cases of prolonged hyponatremia in the elderly are related to medication. But they’ll need to see your test results to make sure you have hyponatremia. Since older adults are usually more likely to take certain medications or develop chronic diseases, they’re generally more likely to get hyponatremia. Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical examination. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. If a person has a mild case of hyponatremia, there may not be any significant signs or symptoms associated with it, or the symptoms may initially be subtle. Have you started taking any new medications? Have you had a headache? A condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) can make you retain water. They may also require drugs to treat … It ‘s used to treat conditions that cause acidosis through bicarbonate (base) loss. This content does not have an English version. Common causes include medications and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. Hyponatremia. If your doctor thinks you drink too much water, you may need to cut back. If it’s below 135 mEq/L, it’s hyponatremia. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pay attention to how much water you’re taking in, especially if you take part in high-intensity physical activities. These drinks have electrolytes that include sodium. Dr. Ramin Rafie answered 17 years experience Geriatrics Water restrictions: There are 2 ways of treating this 1- restricting water intake 2- taking … How low is too low? "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Muscle cramps 6. If your hyponatremia came on suddenly and it’s severe, you’ll need emergency treatment to boost your sodium level and monitoring to make sure that it happens safely. Consider Adjusting Your Diet. Regulate Body Fluids. 2018;3:24. Sodium-Infused Juices. If your thyroid hormone is too low, it can also affect your sodium level. This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed April 6, 2018. Accessed April 6, 2018. Some are mild, but others can be serious and even life-threatening. Hyponatremia and the brain. To confirm low blood sodium, your doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. You may not have any symptoms if your hyponatremia is very mild. In people who use diuretics, which eliminate excess sodium and fluid, reducing the dosage helps keep sodium levels within the normal range. Hormone imbalances. 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 But with acute hyponatremia, your sodium levels drop very quickly. Have your symptoms included any mental changes, such as feeling confused, agitated or depressed? How is hyponatremia treated? Headaches 2. Because of the low sodium, the amount of water in your body rises and causes your cells to swell. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood.If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you'll need more-aggressive treatment. 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. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/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. Drinks enriched with sodium such as … These include: Medications. Trouble concentrating 7. Sodium concentration is higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. Always talk with your doctor about the risks of a new medication. 2. Following a heart-healthy diet made up of high-fiber, low-cholesterol and low-sodium foods will help you maintain or reach a healthy body weight. What's the most likely cause of my symptoms? If yes, has it gotten progressively worse? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Merck Manual Professional Version. Bouts of chronic, severe diarrhea or vomiting can deplete your body of fluids and sodium.Â. Bope ET, et al. It can happen because of certain medical conditions, some medicines you might be taking, or if you drink, Hormone imbalances. For hyponatremia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Being ready to answer your doctor's questions may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Kidney International Reports. Do you use recreational drugs? 7th ed. Call your doctor if you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and are experiencing nausea, headaches, cramping or weakness. Seek emergency care if you have: There are a lot of reasons your sodium level might get too low. Have you had nausea, vomiting or diarrhea? Individuals with severe symptoms often require hospitalization and an intravenous (IV) sodium treatment to get their sodium levels back to normal. 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. 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. A sample of your urine is collected and is sent to a lab for tests. 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. © 2005 - 2020 WebMD LLC. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2017. Include high-fiber foods. Depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. It can dilute the amount of sodium in your blood. A condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) can make you retain water. You’re probably getting enough water if you don’t feel thirsty and your urine is a pale yellow color. 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. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. Treatment of Low Sodium in the Elderly. Your blood sodium level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. 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. In: Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. Eating low sodium … 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. Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. Because the symptoms of hyponatremia can vary so much from person to person, your doctor will probably order blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis. Hyponatremia is a low sodium concentration in the blood. That can affect your sodium level. Know the symptoms of hyponatremia. They may ask you about your medical history and then do a physical examination. It can happen because of certain medical conditions, some medicines you might be taking, or if you drink too much water. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible. With the help of sodium, the body controls blood pressure and blood volume. Hyponatremia can be classified according to the volume status of the patient as hypovolemic, hypervolemic, or euvolemic. Additional treatment … Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your level is too low. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Ecstasy/molly (MDMA). Hyponatremia. Severe sodium deficiency requires treatment with … A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Options include: 1. Some hormones affect your sodium levels. Fatigue 4. How soon do you expect my symptoms will begin to improve? These drinks have, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hyponatremia. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Treatment of low blood sodium involves intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement, medications to manage the symptoms of hyponatremia, as well as any treatments for the underlying … There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping. For severe or acute hyponatremia, treatment … 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. Symptoms are more serious when blood sodium … Have you felt faint, had seizures or lost consciousness? Have your symptoms included weakness, fatigue or lethargy? Nausea and vomiting 3. Treatment depends on the cause. National Kidney Foundation: “Electrolyte Imbalance.”, Medscape: “How does ecstasy, or MDMA, induce hyponatremia?” “What causes hypervolemic hypernatremia?”, UpToDate: “Treatment of central diabetes insipidus.”, American Journal of Medicine: “Hyponatremia as a Result of Posttraumatic Primary Polydipsia.”. 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. Water pills (diuretics) and some antidepressants and pain medications can make you pee or sweat more. What are your symptoms and when did they start? There are two reliable ways to know how much water you should have: your thirst and the color of your urine. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) Treatment Mild chronic hyponatremia may not require treatment other than adjustments in diet, lifestyle, or medications. The severity of the symptoms depends on how low the sodium levels are in the bloodstream and how quickly they fall. 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. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2018. Diffic… 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. 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 … How can I prevent a recurrence of this condition? Accessed April 6, 2018. Hyponatremia refers to a low concentration of sodium in the blood and occurs when athletes … 3. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. However, because the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia occur in many conditions, it's impossible to diagnose the condition based on a physical exam alone. Therefore the medication should be changed to drugs that do not … But if you’re not working out really hard or for a long period of time, you might not need them. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible.If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. This can lead to many problems. It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L (135 mEq/L), with severe hyponatremia being below 120 … Intravenous fluids. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Do I need to make any changes to how much fluid I usually drink? Considered one of the mineral salts or electrolytes, treatment for low sodium responsible for maintaining fluid and electrical balance in the body due to its … Urine sodium is a test that checks the level of sodium in your urine. 2. Treat associated conditions. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Sodium is an essential mineral—your body needs it and can't make it—so the only way to get it is through your food or by intravenous (IV) infusion in an emergency situation. Make a donation. Educate yourself. 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. All rights reserved. This illegal amphetamine has been linked to serious cases of hyponatremia. Ask your doctor if you should drink sports beverages instead of water while doing intense physical activities. Intravenous (IV) treatment with a base called sodium bicarbonate is one way to balance acids in the blood. 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