Hyponatremia is a condition where blood levels of sodium dip too low, and it can be dangerous.
It may surprise you to know that developing it has nothing to do with the sodium that you eat.
Sodium often has a bad reputationwhen you consume too much of it in your diet, that is.
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Having sodium levels that are too low can potentially cause some harm to your health as well.
There are many causes of low blood sodium levels, a condition called hyponatremia.
What Is Hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is a condition that affects about 2% of adults in the U.S. every year,past researchindicates.
Symptoms of hyponatremiainclude confusion, lethargy, nausea and vomiting.
One sign of hyponatremia is water retention.
Typically, as sodium levels normalize, this effect subsides.
Extreme cases of hyponatremiacan lead to seizure, coma and even death.
What Causes Hyponatremia?
Having low sodium blood levels can negatively impact your health.
Rather, there are specific health conditions that increase the risk of developing hyponatremia.
Additionally, medications that treat congestive heart failure may also cause hyponatremia as a side effect.
Liver disease
Electrolyte imbalances are common in patients with end-stageliverdisease.
As such, hyponatremia can occur.
Medications
Sometimes, the medication you take can trigger another issue altogether.
Certain diuretics, antidepressants and antiepileptics have all been linked to hyponatremia.
This can result in more dilute blood levels and hyponatremia.
How do you treat hyponatremia?
In certain cases, IV fluids may be needed.
Hyponatremia is not because of eating a low-sodium diet, but is often the result of certain health conditions.
Treatment options include limiting fluid intake, medications or IV fluids.
