what causes low sodium

Hyponatremia occurs when your sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. There are several common causes of low sodium, including diarrhea, excessive sweating, and vomiting . Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can be caused by a host of factors. This tests the amounts of electrolytes and minerals in your blood. Certain factors increase your risk of low blood sodium, including: If you’re at risk for low sodium, you may need to be more careful about your intake of electrolytes and water. Lundman, S., “Is V8 Juice Good for You?” Livestrong, December 18, 2013; http://www.livestrong.com/article/409207-is-v8-juice-good-for-you/, last accessed April 11, 2017. At first, people become sluggish and confused, and if hyponatremia worsens, they may have muscle twitches and seizures and become progressively unresponsive. Let’s explore what dangerously low sodium levels actually mean … Many people tend to be afraid with high level of sodium within their body. Hence, you should reduce the number of diuretics that you tend to intake. If your blood sodium levels are low but your urine sodium levels are high, your body is losing too much sodium. Symptoms can be absent, mild or severe. Causes of Low Sodium Levels. The recreational drug known as ecstasy can lead to a rapid drop in sodium levels that may result in death. Normally, your sodium level should be between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter. The severity of the symptoms depends on how low the sodium levels are in the bloodstream and how quickly they fall. Another important cause of low sodium is that if you are into taking a lot of diuretics, your levels of sodium will come down. It's most often caused by excessive vomiting. As our blood sodium levels drop, it is important to take note of recent lifestyle changes, any existing or new health conditions, and possible effects of prescribed medication. If you have any questions about low sodium levels and alcohol, please let us know and the team will gladly answer your questions. Causes of low sodium include: severe vomiting or diarrhea taking certain medications, including antidepressants and pain medications taking diuretics (water pills) We’ve always been told we should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day to stay healthy. Sodium concentration is higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. Low functioning adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid will cause sodium levels to drop. Hormone conditions such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) are among the main causes of low sodium levels. syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, 6 Little-Known Dangers of Restricting Sodium Too Much, 13 Foods That Are Good for High Blood Pressure, Raise Low Blood Pressure Naturally Through Diet, drinking too much water during exercise (this is very rare). These drinks are also helpful if you lose a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. In many cases, blood sodium levels fall gradually, producing only mild symptoms as the body has time to make adjustments. This can cause mild symptoms of nausea and headaches and eventually lead to rapid brain swelling and death. A basic metabolic panel is often part of a routine physical. There are some troubles caused by this matter including fatigue, headache, nausea, vomit, muscle cramp, anxiety, and more. Drugs like corticosteroids, laxatives, bicarbonate, and diuretics may also.Health conditions affecting … Blood sodium levels can drop gradually or rapidly, depending on the underlying cause. Medications, medical conditions, and fluid loss from sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can all lead to hyponatremia. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells beg… © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Hyponatremia treatment starts with increasing sodium levels in the blood as determined by the cause. Losing sodium quickly is a medical emergency. It’s important to increase your fluid intake if: You should drink no more than 1 liter of water per hour. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Treatment depends on the cause. The results of this test will help your doctor determine the cause of your low blood sodium: Treatment for low blood sodium varies depending on the cause. When you’re adequately hydrated, your urine will be pale yellow or clear, and you won’t feel thirsty. Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have too much water in your blood. Hypernatremia is rare. Initial stages of low levels may not present any symptoms unless they drop rapidly. You should also consider drinking rehydration beverages like Gatorade or Powerade. This stage causes us to lose electrolytes such as sodium and other fluids. Other risk factors include consumption of the recreational drug Ecstasy, sudden exposure to a hot climate, or a strict low-sodium diet. Don’t forget that it’s possible to drink too much water too quickly. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium levels in the blood are too low. What Causes Low Blood Sodium Levels? Low sodium levels are often seen among the elderly, but among other age groups as well. Last medically reviewed on December 17, 2020. We need sodium to help maintain blood pressure, regulate fluids, and aid in the function of our nerves and muscles. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications may have an adverse effect on the sodium levels in our blood. “Low Sodium Level,” Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000394.htm, last accessed April 11, 2017. A low sodium in blood level can lead to scary outcomes if ignored. When looking for high-sodium drinks to increase levels, limit beverages that do not have any nutritional benefit. The […] Sodium deficiency in cases of normal fluid volume are most often caused by adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, or drinking too much beer or water. Answer From Paul Y. Takahashi, M.D. It may identify low blood sodium in someone without any symptoms. Although the American Heart Association estimates 97% of Americans consume too much sodium, hyponatremia is a common condition. But don’t you know that low levels of sodium are also terrible for your health? It can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, and coma. Overhydration, or drinking too much water, is a potentially deadly condition. What causes hyponatremia? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Addison's disease can disrupt the balance of not only salt but also potassium and water. A diagnosis of hyponatremia may result from an osmolality (chemical) blood test, a urine osmolality, a comprehensive metabolic panel, or a urine sodium test. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction. We rely on sodium for the proper functioning of many organs, including our skin cells. The buildup of water will quickly lower sodium blood levels. Drinks enriched with sodium such as vegetable juices can boost your blood sodium levels. Not just for athletes, sports drinks can help to replenish sodium levels, especially after a strenuous workout or run. Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. Sodium is a mineral element which is an important part of the human body. Health conditions affecting our hormone balance can also cause hyponatremia. Low functioning adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid will cause sodium levels to drop. A urine sodium test can be used to determine your kidney function and level of hydration. Take a look at our list and see which ones you'd like to add…. taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures, infusing an intravenous (IV) sodium solution. Yes, it causes some problems including hypertension. Low sodium in blood is medically referred to as hyponatremia and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Our adrenal glands also need appropriate sleep, rest, and exercise to produce sufficient hormones to balance the electrolyte levels. You can keep your adrenal glands working properly by maintaining a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, coconut products, seaweed, and foods enriched in B vitamins. Hyponatremia or low sodium blood levels may result from excess fluid in the body relative to a normal amount of sodium, or it may be due to a loss of sodium and body fluid caused by chronic conditions like kidney or … We'll…. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells.In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. Low sodium in the blood can cause confusion, lethargy, and nausea. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is a condition that means you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. Hyponatremia may also be a symptom of certain medical conditions. Low blood sodium is caused by many factors such as loss of too much water and electrolytes from the body. Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. The official hyponatremia definition is the lack of sodium in the blood necessary to regulate the water used by our cells. There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping. Low sodium levels (hypotonicity) cause cells to maintain water and swell. People who suffer from SIADH produce excess amounts of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It occurs when water and sodium are out of balance. There are several symptoms that indicate the sodium levels in your blood have dropped too low. It's also called a serum sodium test. Based on your symptoms, the physical examination, and details of your medical history, you may be required to undergo a series of tests. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Common symptoms of low blood sodium include: Many factors can cause low blood sodium. Symptoms of low blood sodium can vary from person to person. Sodium chloride—also known as salt—is used in medical treatments such as IV infusions and catheter flushes. This hormone plays a key role in water retention, but too much of it causes your body to store excess amounts of water. A sodium level in the blood that is too low is dangerous and can cause seizures and coma. We include products we think are useful for our readers. All rights reserved. But why is it so important to maintain a good balance within your sodium levels in the body? It occurs when your serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L. Low sodium levels can also be due to fluctuations in hormone levels, according to Mayo Clinic. A blood test can help your doctor check for low sodium levels. Here’s our process. 4. Learn more about the medical uses for salt. While many of us are trying to reduce the amount of sodium we ingest, there are some people who need to boost their intake. Martel, J., “Low Blood Sodium (Hyponatremia),” Healthline, March 27, 2017; http://www.healthline.com/health/hyponatremia#1, last accessed April 11, 2017. This can include heart, liver, and kidney disease. Once the sodium level drops, our cells expand from the abundance of water present in the blood. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who … Your body loses a certain amount of sodium each day through sweat and when you go to the bathroom. Function of Sodium. Your sodium levels may get too low if your body loses too much water and electrolytes. A sodium blood test is a routine test that allows your doctor to see how much sodium is in your blood. The main treatment for hyponatremia involves identifying and correcting the underlying cause. drug induced low sodium FREE subscriptions for doctors and students... click here You have 3 open access pages. Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help balance the water, sodium, and potassium levels. Treatment at home, which also may help to replenish sodium lost through sweating immediately if you seek advice... Siadh produce excess amounts of the symptoms depends on how low the sodium level is 135. 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