Hyponatremia

Causes

Sodium is the main causes that circulates in the body fluids outside the cells. It is a critical component in blood pressure maintenance. Sodium is also essential for the proper workings of nerves and muscles.

Causes of hyponatremia include:

• Hypovolemic hyponatremia -- water and sodium are both lost from the body.
• Hypervolemic hyponatremia -- both sodium and water content in the body increase.
• Euvolemic hyponatremia -- there is an increase in total body water.
• Certain kidney diseases
• Liver cirrhosis
• Burns
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Urinary loss
  • Diuretic drugs
  • Addison's disease
  • Cerebral salt-wasting syndrome

Symptoms

• Lethargy
• Confusion or agitation
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps or generalized weakness
• Seizures

Signs

• Altered mentation: agitation, lethargy, and coma
• Seizures are usually generalized and may be refractory or recurrent.

Treatment

Severe hyponatremia can be treated by infusing a solution of 5% sodium chloride in water into the bloodstream. Moderate hyponatremia due to use of diuretics or an abnormal increase in vasopressin is often treated by instructions to drink less water each day. Hyponatremia due to adrenal gland insufficiency is treated with hormone injections.

Treatments to correct hyponatremia may include:

• Supplemental oxygen, through a mask.
• Intravenous fluids
• Water and salt restriction
• Medication to combat symptoms such as seizures