SODIUM IMBALANCE

(Hypernatremia; Hyponatremia)

 Basic information

description

Sodium imbalance is an above-normal sodium level (hypernatremia) or a below-normal sodium level (hyponatremia) in the blood. Sodium, an electrolyte, helps regulate the body's water balance and maintain normal heart rhythm. It is responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses, and the contraction of muscles.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Confusion.
• Restlessness and anxiety.
• Weakness.
• Muscle cramps (usually in the legs).
• Changes in pulse rate and blood pressure.
• Tissue swelling (edema).
• Stupor or coma (if severe imbalance).
• Sodium imbalance may be part of a disease with other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.

causes

The sodium and water levels in the body are normally kept in balance by different body functions. There are many disorders that can disrupt these functions.

risk increases with

• Hyponatremia (below-normal sodium):
  • Excess loss of body fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Addison's disease.
  • Congestive heart failure.
  • Prolonged, excessive drinking of water or fluids.
  • Some cancers of the adrenal glands.
  • Infections with high fever.
  • Certain drugs (e.g., diuretics).
  • Poor kidney function.
  • Prolonged exercise with sweat loss and excessive water intake.
• Hypernatremia (above-normal sodium):
  • Inability to drink water, as with stroke or gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Use of cortisone drugs.
  • Excess intake of salty food or liquid, as in near drowning in salt water.
  • Inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
  • Diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease.
  • Aldosteronism.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Sodium imbalance is the result of an underlying disorder. Medical treatment for that disorder will help prevent sodium imbalance.
• If you have a disorder or take drugs that affect sodium balance, learn how to prevent a sodium imbalance.

expected outcomes

Usually, the imbalance can be corrected and the underlying disorder treated to prevent a recurrence.

possible complications

• Shock, which can be life threatening.
• Problems may occur from an underlying disorder.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood and urine studies of sodium and other electrolytes.
• Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
• If a drug is the cause for sodium imbalance (above or below normal), it may be stopped or the dose lowered.
• For below-normal sodium levels, water restriction is usually the therapy. This will increase the sodium levels in the body. It is important that the treatment not overcorrect the sodium levels, as that can be dangerous.
• For above-normal levels of sodium, providing fluids (such as dextrose in water) to return sodium levels to normal is the usual therapy.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Intravenous (IV) sodium, if sodium levels are low.
  • Diuretics to decrease high sodium levels.
  • Drugs to correct underlying disorders.

activity

Extra rest until stable, or underlying condition resolved or controlled. Resume normal activities after recovery.

diet

Usually, no special diet for low sodium levels. Most persons with high sodium levels benefit from a low-salt diet. Low-salt diets contain enough sodium to prevent hyponatremia. However, sodium levels are not influenced by diet alone.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of a sodium imbalance.
• You are having problems with a disorder that affects sodium levels.

Special Notes: