Low Sodium Level

A low sodium level in the blood can be a mild or a life-threatening condition that occurs due to several reasons.

Low sodium level

The balance of the blood sodium (salt) and water in the body is essential to stay healthy, because the sodium helps in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating the body fluid’s balance, and supporting the work of the nerves and muscles. Hyponatremia can be acute or chronic.

Causes of low sodium level

A low sodium level can occur due to various reasons and lifestyle choices, including:

• Problems in the heart, kidneys, or liver that cause the fluids to collect in the body, which dilutes the sodium.
• Certain medicines, such as diuretics, antidepressants, and pain medications.
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), which causes the secretion of high levels of the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) that causes the body to retain water instead of getting rid of it.
• Drinking a lot of water, especially during intensive physical activities that cause the body to sweat a lot.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Brain tumors or other neurological issues.
• Recreational drugs.

Symptoms of low sodium level

• Headache and confusion.
• Drowsiness and extreme tiredness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of energy.
• Irritability and restlessness.
• Muscle spasms and weakness.
• Seizures.
• A low sodium level in the blood can cause a swelling in the tissue, including the brain, that could lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or death.

Diagnosis of low sodium level

• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of low sodium level

• Intravenous fluids.
• Medications.
• Treating the underlying condition.
• The risk of hyponatremia can be prevented by being cautious while doing intensive physical activities, drinking fluids that contain electrolytes while doing intensive sports, not drinking a lot of water unless you need to, and taking care of your health in general.