Sodium is an essential electrolyte for the body. It helps regulate blood pressure and is necessary for proper muscle and nerve function. Hyponatremia (the scientific name for sodium deficiency in the blood) occurs when the blood concentration of this mineral falls below 135 mmol / l. The most common causes are burns, diarrhea, excessive sweating, vomiting, and some drugs that increase urine production, such as diuretics. Without the right treatments, hyponatremia can cause muscle weakness, headaches, hallucinations, and even death in severe cases. Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of hyponatremia, or go to the emergency room if you have severe symptoms. A change in drug therapy or treatment of an underlying disease may be enough to raise blood sodium levels.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment for Symptoms of Low Sodium Levels
Step 1. If you have a condition that increases your risk, pay attention to the symptoms
Some medical conditions or health disorders increase the risk of a low blood sodium concentration. This means that you should pay particular attention to the appearance of symptoms. Some of these factors include:
- Kidney, heart disease or liver cirrhosis.
- Advanced age, especially over 65.
- Intense and frequent physical activity, such as triathlons, marathons and ultramarathons.
- Certain medications, such as antidepressants, diuretics (or blood pressure medications), and some pain relievers.
Step 2. Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of hyponatremia
Mild or moderate cases of this deficiency are usually not an emergency, but it is important to consider the symptoms if you fall into a risk category. However, remember that symptoms of low blood sodium can indicate other health problems as well. Call your doctor if you feel:
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Cramps.
- Weakness.
Step 3. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms of sodium deficiency
The reduction of sodium electrolytes in the blood can be dangerous, especially if it is severe. This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomit.
- Confusion.
- Convulsions.
- Loss of consciousness.
Step 4. If you suspect that you have hyponatremia, get tested
See your doctor and ask if they can confirm the sodium levels in your blood with a blood or urine test.
Hyponatremia can be a serious condition, so it's important to get treatment right away if you suspect you have this problem
Method 2 of 3: Treating Hyponatremia
Step 1. Stop taking your medications if your doctor orders it
There are several medicines that can cause an excessive reduction in the concentration of sodium in the blood and it may be enough to stop following the therapy to recover. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal medications you take regularly. Some of the substances that commonly cause hyponatremia include:
- Thiazide diuretics.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
- Chlorpromazine (Largactil).
- Indapamide (Natrilix).
- Theophylline.
- Amiodarone (Cordarone).
- Ecstasy (MDMA).
Step 2. Treat health problems that cause sodium deficiency
If the low levels of sodium in your blood are caused by another medical condition, you need to get treatment. Treating the underlying problem can also resolve sodium deficiency. However, if the condition is not curable, you will need to take medications. Health problems that can cause a decrease in the sodium concentration in the blood include:
- Kidney disease.
- Heart disease.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion (SIADH).
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
- Severe burns.
- Gastrointestinal diseases that cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Step 3. Ask your doctor for medications to correct low sodium levels
If hyponatremia does not improve with other treatments or if you have no alternatives, your doctor may prescribe drugs that increase the concentration of sodium in the blood. Take them exactly as directed and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Tolvaptan (Samsca) is a drug that is often used to treat sodium deficiencies. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and follow their dosage directions. If you take Tolvaptan, ask a nephrologist for advice so as not to raise your blood sodium too much
Step 4. Take fluids intravenously if your blood sodium levels are very low
If a patient goes into shock due to severe hyponatremia, treatment with intravenous isotonic saline is required. A timely drip should help restore balance, but hospitalization is usually required in these cases as well.
Sepsis or a blood infection can cause a severe decrease in blood sodium concentration
Method 3 of 3: Balance Fluid Intake and Expulsion
Step 1. If your doctor recommends it, limit your water intake to 1-1.5 liters per day
Drinking too much water can dilute the sodium in the blood and cause its concentration to drop. In these cases, hyponatremia can be resolved by reducing fluid intake. However, ask your doctor for advice before trying this remedy.
- Reducing your water intake is usually effective treatment only when you have been diagnosed with Inappropriate ADH Secretion Syndrome (SIADH).
- Urination and thirst are good indicators of your hydration. If your urine is light yellow and you are not thirsty, you are well hydrated.
Step 2. If you lead an active life, drink sports drinks
If you are an athlete or sweat a lot from your activity, sports drinks can help you maintain normal sodium levels. These drinks allow you to replenish the sodium electrolytes you have lost in your blood. Have a sports drink before, during or after your workouts.
Sports drinks contain essential electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium
Step 3. Do not take diuretics unless directed by your doctor
If you do not have a pre-existing condition and have not received a prescription from your doctor, do not take diuretics. These drugs stimulate urine production, preventing water retention. However, they can also dehydrate you.
