10 Symptoms and Treatments of Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is low sodium levels in the bloodstream. It occurs due to an imbalance between water and sodium. The condition may exist due to when the sodium level decreases or increases in your body. The sodium is necessary to control the amount of water in and around cells.

Hyponatremia may be a side effect of certain medications such as diuretics. This medicine is used to treat blood pressure. Low sodium levels often cause medical conditions, hormonal diseases, kidney or liver diseases, heart problems, and adrenal gland disorders.

A blood test can measure the concentration of sodium in the bloodstream. Doctors usually track electrolyte levels in patients. Those suffering from kidney, liver or heart failure get started on diuretic medication.

1. Chronic hyponatremia

This is a more common form that occurs when the sodium levels of the patient decrease over a long period. It may not become apparent until the sodium levels have fallen. Symptoms are often not as severe as in acute hyponatremia and may be non-specific.

Mild chronic hyponatremia may only need changes in lifestyle, diet or medication. If lack of sodium is being caused by medication such as a diuretic, then, your doctor will adjust your dosage. Check your blood sodium levels on a regular basis if you take diuretics. In chronic hyponatremia, maintaining sodium balance too may cause damage to parts of the brain.