Hypernatremia is a condition characterized by blood sodium levels that are greater than 145 mEq/L. Polyuria, which is an increase in the volume of urination, with excessive thirst and hypernatremia together form a constellation of symptoms that point towards a disease called diabetes insipidus.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is an uncommon condition that occurs when your body is unable to produce a key hormone called anti-diuretic hormone. The chief symptoms of this disorder include severe thirst and the excretion of large amounts of diluted urine. There are two main causes of diabetes insipidus: the underproduction of anti-diuretic hormone or the kidneys inability to respond to the hormone.
Diabetes Insipidus and Sodium Levels
A severe case of diabetes insipidus can cause of hypernatremia. Typically, the body maintains a balance between water levels and sodium levels. In patients with diabetes insipidus, water levels decrease and this increases the concentration of sodium within your blood. Once they are treated for diabetes insipidus, sodium levels return to normal.
Effects of Hypernatremia
The symptoms of hypernatremia are non-specific and difficult to identify. Irritability, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, increased reflexes and muscle twitches are all symptoms linked with excessive blood levels of sodium. All of these symptoms are caused by a decrease in the amount of water in the brain. Severe or chronic hypernatremia may result in intracranial hemorrhages, which are life-threatening.
Treatment for Diabetes Insipidus
If you are experiencing polyuria, excessive thirst and elevated sodium levels, immediately consult a physician. Diabetes insipidus is not a condition that is treated at home. You will need expert medical advice and supervision. If the condition is caused by inadequate production of anti-diuretic hormone, also called vasopressin, doctors prescribe a synthetic version of of the hormone called desmopressin. Desmopressin functions like anti-diuretic hormone within the body and allows the patient to retain enough water, which lowers sodium levels and treats the other symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
However, if your diabetes insipidus is caused by your kidneys inability to use anti-diuretic hormone, then treatment focuses on preventing the disease from causing dehydration and high sodium levels. Your doctor may recommend that you go on a low-sodium diet coupled with increased water intake.
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