Sodium Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in the blood is too low..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.
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
With this condition, the body holds onto too much water. This dilutes the amount of sodium in the blood and causes levels to be low.
Severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 millimoles per liter.
Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal.
Symptoms of hyponatremia;
The symptoms include
nausea and vomiting, loss of energy and confusion. Serious hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death. Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medicines or have medical problems that put them at risk of the disorders Too little sodium can cause serious health problems. Hyponatremia is common, and most people fully recover if they're treated right away. But many things can cause hyponatremia, so managing ongoing medical issues and medications is the best way to reduce your risk
Steps to correct low sodium:
Options include:
•Intravenous 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.
•Consuming more salt is the most straightforward way to increase your sodium levels. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is our diet's primary sodium source. However, it is essential to note that consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
•Enjoy high-potassium foods regularly.These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure
•Low sodium be treated at home You care for yourself at home. If your doctor recommends it, drink fluids that have sodium. Sports drinks are a good choice. Or you can eat salty foods.
A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)
Healthcare providers consider sodium (Na ) levels below 135 milliequivalents/liter (mEq/L) to be lower than normal. It might seem like very little salt would be a good thing. But like many things in life, it's all about balance. You need the right balance of water and sodium in your body to stay healthy.
Your total amount of sodium per day should be no more than 1,500-2,000 milligrams (mg).
Hyponatremia is when the level of sodium in your blood is lower than normal. Sodium is an important mineral that helps balance the amount of fluid (water) in your body. It also helps your nerves and muscles to work properly.
Role of sodium in body :
•Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and smooth nerve and muscle function.
•Fluid balance: Sodium helps maintain the body's fluid balance by regulating the amount of water in different compartments of the body.
•Blood pressure: Sodium helps control blood pressure.
•Muscle and nerve function: Sodium helps muscles and nerves function properly.
•Nutrient transport: Sodium helps transport nutrients and substrates through plasma membranes.
Sodium occurs naturally in many foods, including milk, beets, and celery.
Sodium is also added to many processed foods, including bacon, sausage, and ham
Consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most Americans eat too much sodium without realizing it.
The human body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water .
Symptoms of hyponatremia can include nausea and vomiting, loss of energy and confusion. Serious hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death. Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medicines or have medical problems that put them at risk of the disorder.
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
.Common causes include heart, liver, kidney and brain diseases, hormone issues and medications. Treatment could include limiting water intake, getting IV fluids and adjusting medications
Steps to improve sodium: Maintaining the proper sodium balance in your body is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you have low sodium levels, incorporating more sodium-rich foods, consuming sports drinks or electrolyte solutions, and considering sodium supplements can help increase your sodium levels.
Low-sodium diets are commonly prescribed to people with kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure in order to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Your doctor may want to do some further tests. However, if they conclude that your sodium level is low because of medication, they may suggest that you eat more salt. They may also give you a course of sodium tablets to raise your sodium level to the normal range.
Dairy products can contain a surprising amount of sodium. Milk, cream and yogurt have the least sodium, so choose them to meet your dairy needs.
Consuming more salt is the most straightforward way to increase your sodium levels. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is our diet's primary sodium source. However, it is essential to note that consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Indian foods rich in Sodium Breads, cereals, packaged namkeen, readymade soups, canned food, pizzas, and chinese takeaway are high in salt content.
Laboratory test to measure blood sidium:
A blood test for sodium is called a sodium serum test or a sodium blood test. It's also known as an Na test.
Purpose of test'
•To measure the amount of sodium in your blood
•To assess the balance of electrolytes and fluids in your body
•To diagnose conditions related to sodium imbalances
If the blood test reveals low sodium level take the steps
to correct it under guidance of your health care provider Maintain blood sodium and stay healthy and fit
Information compiled by Dr Bhairavsinh Raol
