What specialist deals with hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia may be managed clinically by different specialists, such as endocrinologists, nephrologists, geriatricians, or intensivists, and, accordingly, management strategies often vary [5].

What can you do for critically low sodium?

Severe hyponatremia is an emergency. To treat it, doctors slowly increase the level of sodium in the blood with intravenous fluids and sometimes with a diuretic. Newer drugs, called vaptans, are sometimes needed. Increasing the sodium level too rapidly can result in severe and often permanent brain damage.

What low sodium level is critical?

In many hospital laboratories 160 mEq/L is chosen as the upper critical value. The evidence of this study suggests that sodium in the range of 155-160 mEq/L is associated with high risk of death and that 155 mEq/L rather than 160 mEq/L might be more suitable as the upper critical level.

Does an endocrinologist treat low sodium?

A consultant endocrinologist or nephrologist should be consulted as soon as possible. Treatment involves the use of hypertonic saline to gradually correct the hyponatraemia, with the goal of ensuring that the sodium level does not rise by more than 6 mmol/L in the first 6 h or 10 mmol/L in the first 24 h.

Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is more likely in people living with certain diseases, like kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and diseases affecting the lungs, liver or brain. It often occurs with pain after surgery.

How much water should I drink for hyponatremia?

The authors of the study report that hyponatremia symptoms can develop if a person drinks 3–4 liters of water in a short period, though they do not give a specific time estimate. According to one case report , soldiers developed symptoms after consuming at least 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of water per hour.

How long does it take to recover from low sodium?

Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. It can take weeks or months for you to experience the effects of low salt in your diet—and these effects can be corrected by just one day of normal salt intake.

What happens when your sodium is critically low?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

What is the fastest way to correct sodium?

In patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia, the rate of sodium correction should be 6 to 12 mEq per L in the first 24 hours and 18 mEq per L or less in 48 hours. A bolus of 100 to 150 mL of hypertonic 3% saline can be given to correct severe hyponatremia.

What happens if you have low sodium?

How long does it take to correct low sodium?

How long does it take to correct hyponatremia?

What to do if you have low blood sodium?

To confirm low blood sodium, your doctor will order blood tests and urine tests. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible. If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids.

What should a doctor do if you have Acute hyponatremia?

He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood. If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you’ll need more-aggressive treatment. Options include: Intravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood.

What is the medical name for low blood sodium?

Low blood sodium is a condition in which the amount of sodium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hyponatremia. Sodium is found mostly in the body fluids outside the cells. Sodium is an electrolyte (mineral). It is very important for maintaining blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of critically low sodium?

As the swelling progresses, additional symptoms might include hallucinations, loss of consciousness and coma. Since sodium also plays a role in muscle contraction, critically low sodium levels can also cause muscle weakness, cramps or spasms. The main treatment for hyponatremia involves identifying and correcting the underlying cause.