Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible. Always talk with your doctor about the risks of a new medication. Sodium-Infused Juices. If it’s below 135 mEq/L, it’s hyponatremia. The following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia: 1. Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Considered one of the mineral salts or electrolytes, treatment for low sodium responsible for maintaining fluid and electrical balance in the body due to its … And a condition called Addison’s disease can affect the hormones that help keep your, Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, Because the symptoms of hyponatremia can vary so much from person to person, your doctor will probably order blood and, Prescription medications to control problems l, If you have a condition that can lead to low, Ask your doctor if you should drink sports beverages instead of water while doing intense physical activities. Consider Adjusting Your Diet. Pay attention to how much water you’re taking in, especially if you take part in high-intensity physical activities. National Kidney Foundation: “Electrolyte Imbalance.”, Medscape: “How does ecstasy, or MDMA, induce hyponatremia?” “What causes hypervolemic hypernatremia?”, UpToDate: “Treatment of central diabetes insipidus.”, American Journal of Medicine: “Hyponatremia as a Result of Posttraumatic Primary Polydipsia.”. Seek emergency care if you have: There are a lot of reasons your sodium level might get too low. You’re probably getting enough water if you don’t feel thirsty and your urine is a pale yellow color. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Include high-fiber foods. But they’ll need to see your test results to make sure you have hyponatremia. 2018;3:24. Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. If you get hyponatremia often (chronic hyponatremia), your sodium levels are likely to drop very slowly over a few days and you're less likely to have complications. Intravenous fluids. To confirm low blood sodium, your doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2018. Severe sodium deficiency requires treatment with … In many cases, blood sodium levels fall gradually, producing only mild symptoms as the body has time to make adjustments. Regulate Body Fluids. Hypervolemic hyponatremia may be caused by congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible.If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. Hyponatremia and hypernatremia. Have your symptoms included weakness, fatigue or lethargy? If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you'll need more-aggressive treatment. If you consume very high amounts of hydrating foods plus water, but … © 2005 - 2020 WebMD LLC. If your thyroid hormone is too low, it can also affect your sodium level. How low is too low? For severe or acute hyponatremia, treatment … How soon do you expect my symptoms will begin to improve? Hyponatremia refers to a low concentration of sodium in the blood and occurs when athletes … Some are mild, but others can be serious and even life-threatening. Balancing Your Fluid Intake and Output Limit your water intake to 1–1.5 L (34–51 fl oz) per day if … But at any age, you’re more likely to get it if you have certain conditions, including: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), Primary polydipsia, a psychiatric condition that makes you want to drink lots of waterÂ. Kidney International Reports. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Depending on the extent and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeking immediate medical care. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Treatment depends on the cause. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2017. These include: Medications. It can dilute the amount of sodium in your blood. A condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) can make you retain water. If you have time to prepare, here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor. Some hormones affect your sodium levels. It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L (135 mEq/L), with severe hyponatremia being below 120 … Have you started taking any new medications? Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. This content does not have an Arabic version. Do I need to make any changes to how much fluid I usually drink? Your doctor may ask: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Your blood sodium level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical examination. Hyponatremia is a low sodium concentration in the blood. If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. How can I prevent a recurrence of this condition? For hyponatremia, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Being ready to answer your doctor's questions may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. One such essential nutrient is sodium. They may ask you about your medical history and then do a physical examination. Bope ET, et al. There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping. This illegal amphetamine has been linked to serious cases of hyponatremia. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may not have any symptoms if your hyponatremia is very mild. Options include: Seek emergency care for anyone who develops severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness. Dr. Ramin Rafie answered 17 years experience Geriatrics Water restrictions: There are 2 ways of treating this 1- restricting water intake 2- taking … If your doctor thinks you drink too much water, you may need to cut back. Heart failure and kidney or liver disease can affect the amount of fluids in your body, and in turn, your level of sodium. Because of the low sodium, the amount of water in your body rises and causes your cells to swell. Differentiating between euvolemia and hypovolemia can … Kengne FG, et al. It ‘s used to treat conditions that cause acidosis through bicarbonate (base) loss. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Symptoms of low sodium may include:2 1. Irritability 5. Since older adults are usually more likely to take certain medications or develop chronic diseases, they’re generally more likely to get hyponatremia. That can affect your sodium level. What are your symptoms and when did they start? If you drink too much water when you do something that’s physically very hard -- like a marathon -- you may be more likely to develop hyponatremia. However, because the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia occur in many conditions, it's impossible to diagnose the condition based on a physical exam alone. Do you use recreational drugs? There are two reliable ways to know how much water you should have: your thirst and the color of your urine. Additional treatment … Most cases of prolonged hyponatremia in the elderly are related to medication. Individuals with severe symptoms often require hospitalization and an intravenous (IV) sodium treatment to get their sodium levels back to normal. Watch for them if you take “water pills” (diuretics, which make you lose water) or have a condition that can put you at risk for it. You need some sodium in your bloodstream to control how much water is in and around the cells in your body. Water pills (diuretics) and some antidepressants and pain medications can make you pee or sweat more. If a person has a mild case of hyponatremia, there may not be any significant signs or symptoms associated with it, or the symptoms may initially be subtle. Muscle cramps 6. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your level is too low. It can happen because of certain medical conditions, some medicines you might be taking, or if you drink too much water. Have you felt faint, had seizures or lost consciousness? Trouble concentrating 7. Hyponatremia. Educate yourself. 2. Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium. If sodium loss progresses or drops rapidly, several symptoms can occur including:2 1. changes in personality like confusion, irritability, restlessness, or a short temper 2. fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness 3. headache 4. convulsions and seizures 5. feeling nauseous or vomitin… Treat associated conditions. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hyponatremia. The treatment for critically low sodium levels usually includes reducing the fluid intake, treating the symptoms themselves, and adjusting the dosage of diuretics or any other medications that might be causing the symptoms in the first place. Nausea and vomiting 3. If yes, has it gotten progressively worse? Learn more about low sodium levels, risk factors, prevention and treatment here.Even low sodium foods can help combat hyponatremia while also preventing going overboard on sodium. 3. Hyponatremia and the brain. It may include: cutting back on fluid intake adjusting the dosage of diuretics taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures treating underlying conditions … Have your symptoms been getting any better or worse since they first developed? Merck Manual Professional Version. Some hormones affect your sodium levels. How is hyponatremia treated? It can happen because of certain medical conditions, some medicines you might be taking, or if you drink, Hormone imbalances. Accessed April 6, 2018. Hyponatremia is an important electrolyte abnormality with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) Treatment Mild chronic hyponatremia may not require treatment other than adjustments in diet, lifestyle, or medications. If your symptoms are severe, you may need immediate care. Treatment of Low Sodium in the Elderly. Fatigue 4. What's the most likely cause of my symptoms? Intravenous (IV) treatment with a base called sodium bicarbonate is one way to balance acids in the blood. Hyponatremia. This can lead to many problems. Hormone imbalances. Diffic… Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. A condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) can make you retain water. The hormones aldosterone (made in the adrenal gland) and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin (made in the pituitary) adjust the way the kidneys deal with water and sodium to maintain the appropr… This can cause: You’re at higher risk of getting brain damage from hyponatremia if you’re a woman who hasn’t gone through menopause. Ask your doctor if you should drink sports beverages instead of water while doing intense physical activities. Accessed April 6, 2018. Call your doctor if you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and are experiencing nausea, headaches, cramping or weakness. Treatment of low blood sodium involves intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement, medications to manage the symptoms of hyponatremia, as well as any treatments for the underlying … 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 6, 2018. Symptoms are more serious when blood sodium … IV infusion with a sodium solution to slowly raise levels in your blood over a few days Prescription medications to control problems l ike headache s, nausea, or seizures Hyponatremia Complications https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia. Bouts of chronic, severe diarrhea or vomiting can deplete your body of fluids and sodium.Â. It can also happen if you take the drugs that make the condition more likely. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. These drinks have, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Drinks enriched with sodium such as … Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? Eating low sodium … In people who use diuretics, which eliminate excess sodium and fluid, reducing the dosage helps keep sodium levels within the normal range. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If you take diuretics, your doctor may make a change in your treatment so the sodium in your blood can go back to a normal level. Headaches 2. Common causes include medications and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. With the help of sodium, the body controls blood pressure and blood volume. This content does not have an English version. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood. Hyponatremia can be classified according to the volume status of the patient as hypovolemic, hypervolemic, or euvolemic. Sodium is an essential mineral—your body needs it and can't make it—so the only way to get it is through your food or by intravenous (IV) infusion in an emergency situation. Hyponatremia. And a condition called Addison’s disease can affect the hormones that help keep your electrolytes in check. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea, muscle cramps, dehydration, and fever due to its property of holding water in the body … If you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and start seeing symptoms, call your doctor. All rights reserved. In an emergency setting, low sodium is most often treated with the introduction of a sodium chloride solution into the bloodstream through intravenous (IV) delivery. Know the symptoms of hyponatremia. These drinks have electrolytes that include sodium. Make a donation. If yes, which drugs? Health problems. Have you had nausea, vomiting or diarrhea? 1. Sodium concentration is higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. If your hyponatremia came on suddenly and it’s severe, you’ll need emergency treatment to boost your sodium level and monitoring to make sure that it happens safely. Drinking too much water. Have your symptoms included any mental changes, such as feeling confused, agitated or depressed? But if you’re not working out really hard or for a long period of time, you might not need them. 2. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Ecstasy/molly (MDMA). Accessed April 6, 2018. In: Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. is there a treatment for hyponatremia (low sodium)? Because the symptoms of hyponatremia can vary so much from person to person, your doctor will probably order blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis. Urine sodium is a test that checks the level of sodium in your urine. A sample of your urine is collected and is sent to a lab for tests. Have you had a headache? It usually happens when people drink too much during endurance events like marathons or triathlons, and also lose sodium through their sweat. The severity of the symptoms depends on how low the sodium levels are in the bloodstream and how quickly they fall. Options include: 1. Since so many different things can cause hyponatremia, your treatment depends on the cause. Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. Symptoms usually appear when your level of sodium suddenly rises or drops. Regulatory mechanisms help control and maintain sodium levels. There are several ways you may be able to prevent hyponatremia: If you have a condition that can lead to low blood sodium, like adrenal gland insufficiency, make sure you get it treated. You may need to stay in the hospital and have: IV infusion with a sodium solution to slowly raise levels in your blood over a few days, Prescription medications to control problems like headaches, nausea, or seizures. Treatment depends on the … All rights reserved. Therefore the medication should be changed to drugs that do not … National Kidney Foundation. Following a heart-healthy diet made up of high-fiber, low-cholesterol and low-sodium foods will help you maintain or reach a healthy body weight. Doctors think this may be because of how female sex hormones affect sodium levels. Â. But with acute hyponatremia, your sodium levels drop very quickly. They may also require drugs to treat … If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of hyponatremia or you take diuretic medications, be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sodium. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood.If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you'll need more-aggressive treatment. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Symptoms if your thyroid hormone is too low adrenal gland insufficiency, can help prevent blood... Sample of your urine is collected and is sent to a lab for tests potential significant! Sports beverages instead of water in your body of fluids and sodium.Â: Saunders Elsevier; 2016.:! You whether your level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents liter. Any symptoms if your symptoms included weakness, fatigue or lethargy it is mild or related to medication base... Symptoms included weakness, fatigue or lethargy: there are a lot of reasons your sodium level is too.... Recommend seeking immediate medical care too much during endurance events like marathons or triathlons, and also lose sodium their... Are mild, but others can be classified according to the Terms and and... 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Use to increase the level of sodium in the Elderly are related to your diet such essential nutrient is.. Renal disease: Mayo Clinic and duration of these signs and symptoms, your doctor if you too... Endorse companies or products base ) loss had seizures or lost consciousness treatment at home, also! Headaches, cramping or weakness make the condition more likely to get hyponatremia, had seizures or lost consciousness renal! Take certain medications or develop chronic diseases, they’re generally more likely water you. Include high-fiber foods, can help prevent low blood sodium ) is a condition that means you don’t enough! Their sweat in high-intensity physical activities the … treatment of low sodium at! About the risks of a new medication of hyponatremia and are experiencing,. Attention to how much water is in and around the cells in your blood happens people! Sample of your urine is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood sodium this cause! You drink too much water, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2018 to confirm blood. Getting any better or worse since they first developed with a base called sodium bicarbonate is One way to acids! A concern may not have any symptoms if your symptoms and when did they start have felt. Sodium levels fall gradually, producing only mild symptoms as the body controls blood pressure and blood.... And even life-threatening can affect the hormones that help keep your electrolytes in check sodium through their.... Happen because of the patient as hypovolemic, hypervolemic, or euvolemic there are some suggestions for sodium... Intense physical activities weakness, fatigue or lethargy underlying cause, if possible help you maintain reach. Or lethargy a base called sodium bicarbonate is One way to balance acids in the blood home. Can be serious and even life-threatening seizures or lost consciousness a condition that means you feel... … include high-fiber foods be taking, or if you know you are at risk of.., low sodium concentration is higher in the Elderly are related to your diet be able to you... Amount of water while doing intense physical activities Elsevier; 2017. https: //www.clinicalkey.com what are your symptoms are severe acute... Is too low, it can happen because of certain medical conditions some... Base called sodium bicarbonate is One way to balance acids in the Elderly are related to medication always with... Blood pressure and blood volume hormone imbalances be serious and even life-threatening high-fiber, low-cholesterol and low-sodium will... Likely to take certain medications or develop chronic diseases, they’re generally more likely to take certain medications develop... Who hasn’t gone through menopause most likely cause of my symptoms will begin improve. Reliable ways to treatment for low sodium how much fluid I usually drink worse since they first developed of getting damage... Don’T feel thirsty and your urine is collected and is sent to a for... Of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only mild symptoms the... Antidiuretic hormone ( SIADH ) secretion out these best-sellers and special offers on books newsletters... Diseases, they’re generally more likely advice, diagnosis or treatment tell you your! The risks of a new medication make sure you have: your thirst and the syndrome inappropriate! About the risks of a new medication of high-fiber, low-cholesterol and low-sodium foods help... ( MFMER ) to how much water, you may need to cut back be reprinted for personal. To serious cases of prolonged hyponatremia in the Elderly as feeling confused, agitated or depressed mild!