Sodium is one of the body's major electrolytes, important for maintaining proper fluid balance and blood volume. Signs and symptoms of decreased sodium levels, or hyponatremia, depend on both the severity of the decrease and rapidity of its development. The diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia are determined by the underlying cause or medical condition.
Sodium
Sodium is the major positively charged electrolyte in your body, found in highest concentrations in the blood and fluid surrounding your cells, according to the Merck Manual. Continuous feedback regulation involving the kidneys, adrenal glands and pituitary gland works to maintain a stable sodium level. Normal sodium concentrations help control fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure and the optimal function of nerves and muscles. Sodium is obtained from dietary sources and lost in sweat and urine, in a carefully maintained equilibrium.
Causes of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is the condition in which there is too little sodium in the blood and fluids surrounding the cells, either because of loss of sodium or presence of excess water. The immediate response to this imbalance is for water to shift into your body's cells, leading to cellular swelling and the resulting symptoms of hyponatremia. Causes of a low sodium level include excessive water intake, diarrhea, vomiting, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, diuretic medications and several kidney diseases, according to MedlinePlus.
Mild Hyponatremia
Small decreases in sodium level, or decreases that develop slowly over several days or more, generally result in relatively mild symptoms. Loss of appetite, headache, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, confusion and muscle cramps can occur, according to Patient UK. If the imbalance also includes decreased fluid volumes, dry mouth and rapid heart rate may be present.
Moderate and Severe Hyponatremia
Greater decreases in sodium level or rapid drops over just several hours or a day are much more likely to be symptomatic, because your body has less ability to compensate for the fluid changes. Any of the symptoms associated with mild hyponatremia can occur, as well as personality changes, loss of coordination, drowsiness, seizures or coma. With fluid excess, there may also be swelling of the feet and ankles or fluid accumulation in the abdomen or lungs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Blood and urine tests to check for sodium levels and osmolality, or the concentration of the fluids, can help diagnose hyponatremia. The method of treatment is determined by the underlying cause of the decreased sodium levels, and might be as simple as water restriction or discontinuing a medication. More severe hyponatremia is a medical emergency, and treatment by a physician is usually required.
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