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Hyponatremia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Dilutional hyponatremia; Euvolemic hyponatremia; Hypervolemic hyponatremia; Hypovolemic hyponatremia

Treatment:

The cause of hyponatremia must be treated, especially in the case of a  malignancy where radiation, chemotherapy , or surgical removal of the tumor may correct the sodium imbalance. Other treatments vary, depending on the type of hyponatremia.

Treatments to correct hyponatremia may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Supplemental oxygen, through a mask or a ventilator
• Water and salt restriction
• Medication to combat symptoms such as seizures

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is related to the underlying disease or condition. In general, acute hyponatremia, one that occurs in less than 48 hours, is more dangerous. When sodium levels fall gradually over a period of days or weeks (chronic hyponatremia), the brain cells have time to compensate and swelling is minimal.

Complications:

• Possible coma
• Brain herniation
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Hyponatremia can be a life-threatening emergency! Call your health care provider if symptoms of hyponatremia occur.

References:

Braunwald E, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, et al., eds. Hyponatremia. In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2001:274-76.

• Review Date: 9/13/2005
• Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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