In this Article

• What is hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
• What causes hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
• What are the symptoms of hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
• How is hyponatremia diagnosed (low blood sodium)?
• How is hyponatremia treated (low blood sodium)?
• Hyponatremia At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Hyponatremia
• Hyponatremia Glossary
• Hyponatremia Index

How is hyponatremia (low blood sodium) treated?

Mild chronic hyponatremia may not require treatment other than adjustments in diet, lifestyle, or medications. For severe or acute hyponatremia, treatment typically involves the intravenous administration of fluids and electrolytes. In this case medications are often needed that treat the underlying cause of the hyponatremia as well as medications to manage the accompanying symptoms.

Hyponatremia At A Glance

• Hyponatremia refers to a low level of sodium in the blood.
  
  
• Hyponatremia 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.
  
  
• Symptoms are nonspecific and can include mental changes, headache, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, muscle spasms, and seizures.
  
  
• Severe hyponatremia can lead to coma and can be fatal.
  
  
• Treatment of hyponatremia involves intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement, medications to manage the symptoms of hyponatremia, as well as any treatments for the underlying cause.

Reference: Harrison''s Principles on Internal Medicine, 14th edition, 2006.

Hyponatremia

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• Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
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