Sodium is one of the electrolytes in your body. Low sodium is also referred to as hyponatremia. It can occur in people of all ages, but is more common in older adults. This may be due to other medical conditions the elderly may already have that can interfere with sodium balance in the blood. As the sodium level in the blood decreases, the level of fluid or water in the body increases. This causes the cells to become fluid-overloaded and swell, which can lead to various complications.
Normal Levels
According to Medline Plus, the normal level of sodium in your blood is 135 to 145(mEq/L.). Normal levels of sodium in the blood are needed for a few reasons. Sodium plays a role in muscle and nerve function. It is also needed to maintain the correct balance of fluids in the body. Some people will not experience symptoms when sodium level drop slightly. When level decrease quickly, symptoms may develop rapidly and become life threatening.
Causes
Losing too much salt through sweating, without taking in fluids, can lead to low sodium levels. Also, certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, kidney disease and severe burns can lead to low sodium levels, but for different reasons. For instance, water level in the body may increase, but sodium level does not. This is know as euvolemic hyponatremia. In hypervolemic hyponatremia, salt and water in the body both increase, but water increases faster. When both salt and water are lost, but salt is lost at a greater rate, it is known as hypovolemic hyponatremia.
Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of low sodium levels in the blood are related to brain function. A person may feel tired, develop a headache and become confused. If sodium levels continue to decrease, more serious symptoms can develop, such as seizures and an altered or complete loss of consciousness.
Treatments
Treatment will depend on how low levels of sodium are in the blood. When sodium blood levels are very low, medication will be given to raise sodium . Milder cases may just be treated by restricting fluids. It is also necessary to determine the underlying cause of the low sodium levels, so that can also be treated.
Prevention
There are ways to decrease the chances of developing low sodium levels in the blood. Drink sports drinks, which help replace sodium levels when participating in vigorous exercise or sports. Drink enough water throughout the day without going overboard. Treat any underling medical problems, such as kidney disease, which can lead to low sodium levels.
Member Comments