Sodium and chloride are commonly referred to as salt. They travel together in the human body as well. There is no specific chloride deficiency, but you definitely have a problem if you don't have enough sodium. However, since salt is so abundant, it is difficult to have low sodium. There are specific circumstances when sodium is depleted and is not replaced. Consuming sports drinks when engaging in heavy athletic training seems to head off most of these concerns for healthy people, however.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium and chloride are essential to many functions in the body, and any deviation from normal values can impact body functioning. Sodium is an electrolyte and is vital to the electrical conduction of impulses that allow muscles to move. For this reason, it is important to the functioning of the heart, skeletal muscle and nerve function. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, it is also important in regulating blood pressure and the amount of fluid in the vessels. In essence, when sodium is retained by the kidneys, fluid is retained. When the kidneys release sodium, then fluid follows. This is how the body regulates its fluid levels.
Causes of Low Sodium
Low sodium is also known as hyponatremia. This condition can be caused by several things. Drinking a large amount of plain water and exercising excessively can decrease sodium and dilute it with fluid. Those with Addison's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands, are at risk for hyponatremia. According to MayoClinic.com, hypothyroidism and water pills, or diuretics, can both lower your blood sodium levels. Congestive heart failure, kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver put you at risk for low sodium levels. Taking the drug Ecstasy has also been known to cause fatal hyponatremia. Severe vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst and dehydration round out the known causes.
Symptoms of Low Sodium
The initial symptoms of hyponatremia are vague, but they can progress into more serious symptoms if the condition is not treated promptly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is the most common electrolyte disturbance, so it pays to know the symptoms. Look for confusion that leads to decreased consciousness. This can lead to hallucinations and possibly coma. Other signs are fatigue, headache, irritability and muscle cramps. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite have been noted as well. Also be on the alert for convulsions.
Treatments and Outcomes
The treatment for low sodium is primarily aimed at the cause. If you have chronic hyponatremia, your doctor may adjust your medications or suggest you cut back on water consumption and drink sports drinks. For severe hyponatremia, you may need to be hospitalized. Acute hyponatremia can cause brain swelling, coma and death, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. In this case, you would need intravenous fluid resuscitation to restore your sodium values to normal.
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