Sodium plays a vital role in maintaining the body's functioning. Sodium helps maintain blood pressure, supports the nerves and muscles and regulates fluid balance within the body. When sodium levels drop, excess water enters the cells causing them to swell. Swelling of the cells in the brain is especially dangerous because there is no room for expansion. Symptoms of low sodium, or hyponatremia, include confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, seizures and, in severe cases, coma.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands, the butterfly-shaped glands in the neck, do not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid glands release hormones that control the metabolism. Hypothyroidism most commonly occurs due to inflammation or damage to the thyroid gland. It may also stem from an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis in which the body attacks the healthy cells of the thyroid. Early symptoms of hypothyroidism include sensitivity to cold, depression, fatigue, heavy menstrual cycles, brittle hair and fingernails, weakness and weight gain. Lab tests often reveal low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, low red blood cell count, low sodium as well as increased cholesterol, liver enzymes and prolactin. Treatment of hypothyroidism includes replacing the thyroid hormone, most commonly with the medication levothyroxine.
Ectopic ADH
Ectopic ADH, also known as SIADH, is the release of anti-diuretic hormone from an abnormal location in the body. Antidiuretic hormone, or arginine vasopressin, allows the body to conserve water by reducing the amounts excreted in the urine. The body needs ADH to maintain a balance of chemicals to function normally. The most common cause of ectopic ADH secretion is cancer. Cancer of the lungs as well as head and neck tumors are most commonly associated with this illness. Abnormal production of ADH makes it harder for the body to remove water causing fluid to build within the body. Often the only symptom of ectopic ADH will be a low sodium level. Treatment of ectopic ADH involves removal of the underlying cause, most commonly surgical removal of a tumor. Limiting fluid intake can help prevent excess water from building up. Physicians may prescribe medications such as tolvaptan and conicaptan which blocks the effects of ADH.
Ecstasy
The illegal drug Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, affects the chemicals in the brain which regulate mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep and sensitivity to pain, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Ecstasy often has similar effects as other stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. MayoClinic.com warns that the recreational use of amphetamines can cause a cascade effect on the body's ADH and water levels increasing the risk of severe and fatal cases of low sodium. Ecstasy use may also cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, involuntary clenching of teeth, nausea, blurred vision, fainting, chills and sweating. In some cases, Ecstasy may interfere with the body's internal thermostat resulting in fatally high body temperatures.
Member Comments