Sodium deficiency: Causes
Low sodium levels are divided into two forms – absolute and relative sodium deficiency. While in the former, there really is too little sodium in the blood, relative sodium deficiency results from dilution of the blood with too much fluid volume.
Absolute sodium deficiency
Absolute hyponatremia usually results from the body losing too much sodium. This can be due to the following reasons, among others:
- Kidney disease with increased salt loss
- Mineralocorticoid deficiency
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Intestinal obstruction (ileus)
- Burns
Taking drainage medications (diuretics) can also increase the excretion of sodium, possibly leading to hyponatremia.
Relative sodium deficiency
Dilutional hyponatremia often develops as a result of dysfunction of various organs, for example, cardiac insufficiency (heart failure), renal insufficiency (kidney failure), or cirrhosis of the liver. Drinking distilled water also lowers sodium levels.
Sodium deficiency: symptoms
Acute sodium deficiency: treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and extent of the hyponatremia. In the case of dilutional hyponatremia, for example, fluid intake must be restricted. Sometimes the administration of dehydrating medications (diuretics) is also necessary.
If a patient shows symptoms such as altered consciousness or seizures, the sodium deficiency should be treated with a saline infusion (usually 0.9% NaCl solution). It is important that the sodium deficit is not corrected too quickly: This is because a sudden rise in levels can cause serious brain complications, such as bleeding. For this reason, the physician closely monitors sodium levels throughout the infusion therapy.
Chronic sodium deficiency: treatment
If one wants to compensate for a chronic sodium deficiency, the treatment of the underlying disease or the elimination of the cause is in the foreground. For example, if certain medications are responsible for the persistent sodium deficit, they must be discontinued or their dose reduced. By regularly measuring the blood values, the doctor checks whether the sodium deficiency can be compensated.
