Hyponatremia

What is Hyponatremia?

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​Hyponatremia means the sodium level in the blood is too low.  Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and supports normal nerve & muscle function.  When the sodium level drops too low, it can interfere with how the brain and body work and may become serious if not treated appropriately.

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Common Symptoms

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Symptoms of hyponatremia can range from mild to severe.  Common symptoms may include weakness, feeling foggy, off-balance walking or unsteadiness or confusion.   In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures, come and even death if not recognized and treated appropriately.

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Common Causes​

Hyponatremia can happen for many different reasons.  Common causes include drinking excessive amounts of water (polydipsia), certain medications, heart failure, liver failure, thyroid disease - just to name a few!

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How AKC Can Help

At Advanced Kidney care (AKC), our nephrology team has expertise in identifying the cause of hyponatremia and creating a treatment plan tailored to each patient.  Because low sodium can happen or many different reasons, careful evaluation often includes a detailed history, medication review and blood & urine testing.  Treatment depends on the identifying the correct cause and severity of hyponatremia. 

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For patients with a history of hyponatremia, ongoing follow-up is important.  If symptoms such as weakness, confusion, or unsteadiness return, prompt medical evaluation may help prevent more serious complications.