Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

When dealing with Hyponatremia, a condition where blood sodium levels fall below normal, causing fluid shifts and cellular dysfunction. Also known as low sodium, it often signals an underlying Sodium imbalance, disruption of the body’s electrolyte balance that can affect brain and heart function. A common driver is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH, excess release of ADH that forces kidneys to retain water, diluting sodium levels). Certain diuretics, medications that increase urine output and can strip the body of sodium also tip the scales. Understanding these relationships—Hyponatremia encompasses low serum sodium, Diuretics influence hyponatremia, and SIADH induces hyponatremia—sets the stage for proper management.

Why does sodium drop? Medications are a big piece of the puzzle. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Paxil and other antidepressants are known to raise ADH levels, nudging the body toward SIADH. Common blood‑pressure drugs, such as thiazide diuretics (though not listed here, they’re a classic example), directly pull sodium out of the bloodstream. Even steroids like prednisone can alter kidney handling of electrolytes. Beyond drugs, medical conditions that cause fluid overload—heart failure, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and adrenal insufficiency—create a pool of water that dilutes sodium. The brain feels the change first; patients may notice nausea, headache, confusion, or, in severe cases, seizures. These symptoms illustrate the triple link: Hyponatremia requires careful monitoring, Sodium imbalance affects brain function, and Fluid overload contributes to low sodium.

Diagnosing the problem starts with a simple blood test: serum sodium concentration. Values under 135 mmol/L flag hyponatremia, and the severity (mild, moderate, severe) guides treatment. Measuring serum osmolality helps distinguish true water excess from other causes. Once the cause is clear, treatment targets the root. Mild cases often respond to fluid restriction—limiting intake to 800‑1000 ml per day—to let the kidneys excrete excess water. Moderate to severe episodes may need hypertonic (3%) saline administered cautiously to raise sodium without causing rapid shifts that can damage brain cells. Some clinicians prescribe oral salt tablets or urea to boost solute load, especially when diuretics are involved. Managing underlying conditions—optimizing heart failure therapy, adjusting offending medications, or treating SIADH with ADH antagonists—completes the plan. In short, Hyponatremia requires fluid management, and Sodium imbalance can be corrected with targeted therapy.

Now that you’ve got the basics of low sodium, its triggers, and how to spot and treat it, the articles below dive deeper into each aspect. From medication‑specific risks to step‑by‑step guides on safe online pharmacy purchases, you’ll find practical tips and real‑world advice to keep your electrolyte balance in check. Keep reading to explore the full spectrum of resources curated for anyone dealing with hyponatremia or its related health challenges.