hyponatramia

Hyponatremia is a medical condition characterized by a lower than normal concentration of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and nerve and muscle function. When sodium levels drop too low, water can move into the body's cells, causing them to swell.

Causes of hyponatremia are varied and can include excessive water intake, certain medications such as diuretics, hormonal imbalances like syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), and conditions affecting the kidneys, heart, or liver that lead to fluid retention. Symptoms can range from mild and non-specific, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, to more severe manifestations like confusion, seizures, coma, and even death, particularly in cases of rapid or severe drops in sodium levels.

Diagnosis typically involves a blood test to measure serum sodium levels. Further investigations may be needed to identify the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the hyponatremia. Mild cases might be managed by restricting fluid intake or adjusting medications. More severe or symptomatic hyponatremia requires careful and gradual correction of sodium levels, often with intravenous solutions, to avoid serious complications. Prompt medical attention is important for suspected cases of hyponatremia.