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We are often told by dietitians to restrict the amount of salt (sodium) in the meals we consume, but it's vital to remember that our bodies require certain amounts of sodium to function optimally. Hyponatremia is a health condition that occurs when your blood does not have enough salt. You need some salt in your circulation to regulate the amount of water in and around your cells, but when you have low sodium levels in your blood, the quantity of water in your body increases. This causes your cells to expand and create moderate, major, and sometimes even life-threatening complications. Let’s take an in-depth look at hyponatremia, its causes, treatment and diagnosis.
Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium levels are lower than they should be. You should know that healthcare professionals regard sodium levels less than 135 milliequivalents/liter to be below normal. To function properly, your body needs an appropriate balance of water and salt, and when the balance is not maintained, water enters your tissues and prevents them from functioning correctly. When this happens, it can be particularly hazardous for your brain functions!
If your kidneys are functioning properly, drinking too much water usually never causes your blood sodium to drop too low unless you are very dehydrated and do not replenish electrolytes (essential minerals that keep your body functioning) quickly. Remember, hyponatremia may be chronic or acute. Chronic hyponatremia can develop over time, with symptoms appearing gradually and your body compensating for the low salt levels constantly! Acute hyponatremia causes a rapid drop in blood salt levels, and your symptoms may worsen unexpectedly. That is why, in this case, medical intervention is necessary as soon as possible.
One of the most common hyponatremia causes is sodium imbalance in the body. Sodium has an important part to play in your body as it maintains appropriate blood pressure, promotes nerve and muscle function, and controls fluid balance! The sodium normal range in the body is from 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter, and hyponatremia occurs when the sodium level in your blood drops below 135 mEq/L.
Here are the other causes of hyponatremia, so take a look:
The hyponatremia symptoms differ from person to person! If your salt levels decline gradually, you may not notice any symptoms at first, but they will appear soon, however, if they decrease fast, your symptoms may become more noticeable and severe.
Common signs of hyponatremia are:
Severe symptoms of hyponatremia include:
If treatment is not provided quickly after severe symptoms of hyponatremia occur, it may lead to coma or even death.
The symptoms of hyponatremia vary widely from person to person, and that’s why your doctor will most likely request blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Some common tests to diagnose hyponatremia are:
Your doctor may ask you questions about your medical history and perform a physical examination, however, they will need to review your test findings to determine whether you have hyponatremia.
The hyponatremia treatment is determined by the cause of hyponatremia. Your doctor may also treat you for underlying medical issues that might cause hyponatremia!
Treatments may include:
If your hyponatremia developed abruptly and was severe, you will require immediate therapy to increase your salt levels! It is necessary to remember that you should never try to treat yourself at home. Rebalancing salt and water levels in the blood is a sensitive procedure that requires medical experts to monitor the process constantly to ensure safety. You may need to remain in the hospital and have an IV with a salt solution to gradually elevate the sodium levels in your blood over a few days.
We often control the amount of salt we take with our meals, however, some amount of salt in your blood is essential to keep you healthy and functioning! Hyponatremia occurs when your body’s sodium and water levels are not balanced and is a common health problem. Most patients recover completely from hyponatremia if treated immediately. To diagnose hyponatremia, your physician will usually order a blood sodium level test. However, numerous factors can contribute to hyponatremia, therefore addressing existing medical issues is the most effective strategy to lower your risk.
If you need a blood sodium level test, contact Pathkind Labs! Expert technicians collect your blood samples and test them in a NABL-approved lab to offer accurate results. You also receive your results quickly since the modern labs are equipped with cutting-edge instruments.
Discover precision diagnostics with Pathkind Labs, a trusted name in diagnostic services in India. Our NABL accredited labs, equipped with advanced technology, are staffed by a certified team of over 200+ senior pathologists and 2000+ technicians. From tailored health check-ups to specialized tests in Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology, and more, we've got your health covered. Skip the hassle with online booking for tests or check-ups, available for both lab visits and at-home blood collection. For a seamless experience and early detection, choose Pathkind Labs in Gurugram. Book your appointment today and experience diagnostics made easy.
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