Hyponatraemia is when there is a shortage of sodium in the body. This is a dangerous condition that can lead to death. They are exposed to sodium deficiency in the body, among others people who perform strenuous physical exertion (especially in summer), as well as those who suffer from hypothyroidism. What are the causes and symptoms of sodium deficiency? What is the treatment of hyponatraemia?

Hyponatremiais a disturbance of the water and electrolyte balance, the essence of which issodium deficiencyin the body. You can talk about it when the sodium level in the blood drops below the normal level, i.e. 135 mmol / l.

In addition to chlorine and potassium, sodium is the body's basic electrolyte. Together with these elements, it is responsible for maintaining its water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. In turn, together with potassium, it regulates muscle tone and influences the conduction of stimuli in nerve cells. In addition, sodium retains water in the body, is responsible for its proper distribution in the body and is involved in the transport of amino acids and sugars. Therefore, its deficiency is very dangerous to he alth - it can even lead to death.

Hyponatraemia (sodium deficiency) - symptoms

What are the symptoms of hyponatremia and what do they depend on?

The symptoms of hyponatraemia depend on how quickly and in what amounts you are losing sodium.Mild hyponatraemia(130-135 mmol / l) is usually asymptomatic.

Moderate hyponatraemia(120-130 mmol / l) causes non-specific ailments, such as:

  • weakness and fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • headaches
  • orientation, concentration and memory disorders
  • vomiting
  • entanglement
  • lowering blood pressure
  • sleepiness
  • sleep disturbance
  • muscle cramps and tremors
  • hyperactivity
  • anxiety
  • speech disorder

If the sodium level drops below 125 mmol / L, the "safety threshold" is exceeded. Thensymptoms of severe hyponatraemia :

  • convulsions
  • loss of consciousness
  • brain damage
  • brain swelling

Long-term sodium deficiency or severe hyponatraemia (with a sodium dropless than 110 mmol / L ) is life threatening. Mortality from hyponatremiais high, ranging from 38% to 58%.

Sodium deficiency (hyponatraemia) - causes

What causes a sodium deficiency?

  • dehydration- This is the most common cause of sodium deficiency. Dehydration may occur as a result of excessive sweating, for example :
    • during frequent and prolonged physical exertion
    • extensive burns
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
    • pancreatitis

Hyponatremia can also be caused by the presence of osmotic substances in the urine, such as glucose or urea, which causes a large amount of urine to pass.

  • hypothyroidism
  • adrenal insufficiency
  • syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
  • heart failure
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • kidney diseases (including nephrotic syndrome)
  • hypotonic overhydration (water intoxication). Most often it occurs in hospital conditions, after rinsing the bladder with "clean" water during prostate resection or after electrolyte or hypotonic infusions. This group also includes "marathon hyponatremia", which is caused by ingesting large volumes of fluids with little sodium in them.

Nutritional-related sodium deficiencyis extremely rare because it is ubiquitous in food.

Hyponatraemia (sodium deficiency) - diagnosis

The basic test is a blood count, which allows you to determine the level of sodium. A urine test is also required.

Hyponatraemia (sodium deficiency) - treatment

Treatment consists in replenishing the sodium deficiency in the body. However, the method of replenishing it depends on the duration of the sodium deficiency as well as the amount of sodium lost. The longer the hyponatraemia developed, the slower it should be corrected.

Increasing sodium levels too quicklycan lead to serious complications, including demyelination syndrome (breakdown of myelin sheaths in the central or peripheral nervous system).

In the early stages of hyponatraemia, the doctor usually recommends fluid withdrawal. If he recommends that you supplement your sodium deficiency with food, remember that the World He alth Organization (WHO) recommends a sodium intake of no more than 5 g / day.

It should also be noted that an increased sodium intake is a risk factor for the development of hypertension (this element retains water in the blood, causing an increase in blood pressure). Therefore, people with diagnosed hypertension should reach for ready-made fluidselectrolyte (they can be purchased at the pharmacy). In more severe cases, it is necessary to administer intravenous rehydration fluids that contain various sodium concentrations.

By compensating for sodium deficiencies, the doctor also compensates for potassium deficiencies.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Cardiology