Low Sodium Symptoms

Sodium is essential for the body's daily functioning. It helps in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body and plays a vital role in the working of nerves and muscles. For an adult, the normal blood sodium level ranges from 135-145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). A measure below 135 mEq/L indicates abnormally low sodium level in the body; clinically known as hyponatremia. The main complication of hyponatremia is the swelling that it causes in the body. A major drop in sodium level causes cells to take in excess water and then swell up. This swelling is not usually a serious concern until it occurs in brain cells.

Symptoms that Indicate Hyponatremia

The symptoms that might occur in hyponatremia are usually similar to those of other medical conditions. Given that, the condition is diagnosed with the help of blood tests and urine tests, and not just by physical examination. Symptoms that may indicate low blood sodium include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• As low levels of sodium somehow interfere with the normal brain function, confusion and disorientation could occur.
• Headache, lethargy and fatigue.
• Poor or loss of appetite and irritability.
• The patient might become restless, and may suffer from seizures, muscle weakness, spasms and cramps.
• Other symptoms to be expected include reduced consciousness, and in severe cases, coma.

Risks and Possible Complications

Hyponatremia could be severe when it occurs all of a sudden and rapidly. This is because rapid and sharp decline in the blood sodium levels could cause brain cells to swell up within a short time, and this could be life-threatening for most people. People with chronic hyponatremia, on the other hand, are less vulnerable. In their case, the sodium levels dip with a gradual pace and cause moderate symptoms.

People who are considered more susceptible to hyponatremia may include:

• Women in their premenopausal stage.
• Older people.
• People with kidney problems.
• People who take medicines that increase perspiration or urination; diuretics being a common example.
• People on a low-sodium diet.
• People who are into intense physical activities.

Treatment

A sudden occurrence of hyponatremia could be severe. To manage this, the patient is usually put on intravenous fluids to replenish the sodium levels in the blood. He/she might also be given other medicines to manage symptoms like seizures, headache, etc. In some cases, the treatment might include managing the underlying cause of the problem.

Usually, mild cases of hyponatremia can be managed by making a few changes in diet and lifestyle, and adjusting medicines. If drinking too much water is causing the condition, then the patient would be recommended to cut on fluids until his/her symptoms improve. The patient might also be recommended to increase his/her sodium intake, or to use diuretics in a way that it does not trigger hyponatremia.

People who are into high intensity sports such as marathons, triathlons and the like, can prevent hyponatremia by taking sports beverages that contain electrolytes instead of simply drinking water. Although drinking plenty of water is good for health, overdoing it is harmful; hyponatremia being one repercussion of it. The daily requirement of water may differ from person to person. That is why urine color should be used as an indication of whether a person is getting enough water or not. If urine is pale yellow for a healthy individual, it is most likely that he/she is adequately hydrated. Concentrated or dark urine, on the other hand, usually indicates dehydration. People with preexisting medical conditions like Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, severe vomiting or diarrhea, kidney or liver diseases, or heart problems must get themselves treated to cut the risk of low sodium levels.