Sodium is one of the electrolytes found in the body. Electrolytes have an electrical charge and are essential to maintaining metabolism and the activity of cells. Sodium maintains water balance in your body; that is, it aids in preventing fluid build-up and helps prevent dehydration. Also, it plays a key role in normal nerve and muscle function. It is important to know the symptoms of low sodium so as to correct it immediately.
Hyponatremia
Very slight decreases in your sodium level may produce minimal symptoms, if any, initially. However, as sodium depletion continues, symptoms progressively will become more noticeable, due to hyponatremia, the condition that occurs from low levels of sodium in the blood. Your doctor can be confirm and diagnose this condition with a blood test.
Muscle Dysfunction
Sodium, in concert with other electrolytes, is important for proper muscle functioning. For example, sufficient serum sodium ensures that signals are sent to the nerves, and then to the muscles, to contract. Low sodium in the blood, on the other hand, interferes with the transmission of these signals to the appropriate cells. Muscular symptoms associated with hyponatremia include muscle cramping with spasms or twitching. You also may also notice that your muscles are weak, or that you get fatigued more easily.
Nausea and Vomiting
Stomach symptoms may present because of abnormally low sodium levels in the body. You may experience a drop in appetite, as well as nausea with vomiting. Contact your doctor for immediate evaluation if you notice a combination of muscular and gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe hyponatremia is an emergency that likely requires treatment in the form of medication and intravenous or IV fluids.
Confusion and Reduced Consciousness
Severe abnormal low levels of sodium can result in dangerous psycho-neurological symptoms. In the case of major hyponatremia, the fluid balance of the body is disrupted and fluid may begin to collect in regions throughout the body. For example, swelling of the brain or brain edema can result. Consequently, symptoms of brain edema secondary to hyponatremia include headaches with agitation, as well as mental disorientation or confusion and hallucinations. Dangerously low sodium levels can lead to increasing lethargy or sluggishness with reduced consciousness; seizures can occur, as well as possible coma. If you start experiencing some of these symptoms, immediately seek medical care or call an ambulance.
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