Hyponatremia means your blood sodium level has dropped below the normal range (135‑145 mEq/L). Sodium helps control fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function, so when it falls too low your body can start to wobble. Even a mild drop can make you feel off‑kilter, while a severe drop can be life‑threatening. Understanding the basics lets you spot problems early and get the right care.
Most people notice a vague headache, nausea, or a feeling of being unusually tired. As sodium continues to fall, you might develop confusion, muscle cramps, or a shaky gait. In extreme cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, or respiratory failure can occur. The key is that symptoms often look like a flu or simple dehydration, but the underlying issue is a fluid‑sodium imbalance that needs specific treatment.
Several everyday situations can push sodium down. Drinking huge volumes of water during intense exercise or a marathon dilutes blood sodium – this is called exercise‑associated hyponatremia. Certain meds, like thiazide diuretics, antidepressants, and antiepileptics, can also tip the balance. Chronic illnesses such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease keep the body from handling water properly, leading to low sodium.
Treatment depends on how low the sodium is and how fast it fell. For mild cases, doctors often recommend fluid restriction and adjusting medications. Moderate to severe hyponatremia usually needs intravenous saline (often hypertonic 3% NaCl) in a controlled setting to raise sodium safely. Some patients benefit from medications that block the hormone vasopressin, which reduces water retention.
Prevention is simple: stay aware of how much water you drink during prolonged activity, follow prescription instructions, and keep an eye on weight changes if you have heart, liver, or kidney problems. Routine blood tests can catch a trend before symptoms appear, giving you a chance to tweak diet or meds.
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If you suspect hyponatremia, don’t wait for the headache to become a seizure. Talk to a healthcare professional, get a simple blood test, and follow a plan that balances fluids, meds, and diet. Staying informed and acting quickly keeps you on the safe side of sodium levels.
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