Hyponatremia is a lower-than-normal concentration of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function, and also helps to maintain blood pressure.

Because the brain is very sensitive to sodium levels, low sodium causes symptoms including confusion and lethargy. The patient may feel nauseated, and experience muscle twitching, which can progress to seizures. Eventually, severe hyponatremia can lead to coma and death.

Symptoms of moderate hyponatremia include tiredness, disorientation, headache, muscle cramps, and nausea. Severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures and coma. These neurological symptoms are thought to result from the movement of water into brain cells, causing them to swell and disrupt their functioning.

Answered by pankaj , an ibibo Advisor, at 11:45 PM on October 05, 2008

Well Rinku,
The normal concentration of sodium in the blood plasma is 136-145 mM. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium falls below 130 mM. Plasma sodium levels of 125 mM or less are dangerous and can result in seizures and coma.

Description

Sodium is an atom, or ion, that carries a single positive charge. The sodium ion may be abbreviated as Na+ or as simply Na. Sodium can occur as a salt in a crystalline solid. Sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are commonly occurring salts. These salts can be dissolved in water or in juices of various foods. Dissolving involves the complete separation of ions, such as sodium and chloride in common table salt (NaCl).

About 40% of the body's sodium is contained in bone. Approximately 2-5% occurs within organs and cells and the remaining 55% is in blood plasma and other extracellular fluids. The amount of sodium in blood plasma is typically 140 mM, a much higher amount than is found in intracellular sodium (about 5 mM). This asymmetric distribution of sodium ions is essential for human life. It makes possible proper nerve conduction, the passage of various nutrients into cells, and the maintenance of blood pressure.

The body continually regulates its handling of sodium. When dietary sodium is too high or low, the intestines and kidneys respond to adjust concentrations to normal. During the course of a day, the intestines absorb dietary sodium while the kidneys excrete a nearly equal amount of sodium into the urine. If a low sodium diet is consumed, the intestines increase their efficiency of sodium absorption, and the kidneys reduce its release into urine.

The concentration of sodium in the blood plasma depends on two things: the total amount of sodium and water in arteries, veins, and capillaries (the circulatory system). The body uses separate mechanisms to regulate sodium and water, but they work together to correct blood pressure when it is too high or too low. Too low a concentration of sodium, or hyponatremia, can be corrected either by increasing sodium or by decreasing body water. The existence of separate mechanisms that regulate sodium concentration account for the fact that there are numerous diseases that can cause hyponatremia, including diseases of the kidney, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus.

source site : http://www.healthatoz.com/healthato z/Atoz/common/standard/transform.js p?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/ hyponatremia.jsp

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 7:05 PM on October 01, 2008

Low sodium in the blood can make it harder to think and focus, and it is common in older adults. Simple things such as forgetting your golf score, struggling with crossword puzzles, or having a loss of balance, could be a sign of low sodium. A new clinical trial is seeking some older Americans to test a drug that may help seniors whose brain function is impaired by low sodium.

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 12:27 AM on October 01, 2008

Hyponatremia is a lower than normal concentration of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia usually occurs during marathons and long triathlons, when athletes are exercising longer and drinking more than they do in training. Hyponatremia is also called water intoxication. Severe cases can lead to seizure, coma , and even death. Common causes include diuretic use, diarrhea, heart failure, and renal disease.

Clinical manifestations are primarily neurologic (due to an osmotic shift of water into cells), especially in acute hyponatremia, and include headache, confusion, and stupor; seizures and coma may occur. Low blood sodium is common in older adults. This is due to age-related changes and increased prevalence of chronic disease that may impair the body's normal sodium balance. Because these signs and symptoms are nonspecific and occur in many conditions, the only way a doctor can confirm low blood sodium is by a blood test.

Treatment of hyponatremia is directed at the underlying cause, if it can be identified and corrected. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily cut back on fluids to increase blood sodium levels.

Causes of Hyponatremia
Find common causes and risk factors of Hyponatremia:

Burns
Certain kidney diseases
Liver cirrhosis
Congestive heart failure
Use of diuretics ("water pills"), especially of the type known as thiazide diuretics
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Sign and symptoms may include the following :

Fatigue.
Vomiting.
Dizziness
Irritability.
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Muscle weakness.
Confusion
Headache .
Lightheadedness.
Treatment for Hyponatremia
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. Severe hyponatremia can be treated by infusing a solution of 5% sodium chloride in water into the bloodstream. Moderate hyponatremia due to use of diuretics or an abnormal increase in vasopressin is often treated by instructions to drink less water each day. Hyponatremia due to adrenal gland insufficiency is treated with hormone injections.

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

Answered by Vinay Kiran , an ibibo Specialist, at 9:50 PM on September 30, 2008

well RINKU, Low blood sodium, medically known as hyponatremia occurs when an abnormally low amount of the mineral sodium is found in the blood. This condition exists when sodium concentration in the blood falls below 135 mmo/L.

Low sodium in the blood commonly happens to older people, especially those who have been hospitalized of a long period of time or those who have undergone long term care.

Causes of low blood sodium

Blood sodium level can be affected by a lot of factors in older people. One of them can be an excessive water intake and less frequent urination. Changes in the kidneys brought about by age such as decreased mass or blood flow to the organ may also be a factor that will bring about hyponatremia.

Aside from factors relating to how age may affect the body in metabolizing water, there are other factors that may contribute to low sodium in the blood. Taking certain medications may also help affect sodium levels in the body. Taking diuretics, pain medications as well as antidepressants may help bring down sodium levels.

Hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid gland may also affect how the body may be able to maintain normal sodium levels. The body's failure to produce sufficient steroid hormones in the adrenal glands such as those afflicted with Addison's disease may also be a factor in low sodium levels in the blood.

A disorder that may cause the overproduction of the antidiuretic hormone in the body may also affect low sodium levels in the blood. Other conditions that may help bring about low sodium levels in the blood include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Other diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, kidney and heart failure may also contribute to lowering the level of sodium in the blood in due time.

Symptoms of low blood sodium

Old people having low blood sodium levels usually show no outward symptoms or signs that may tell that the condition occurs. The symptoms that do show may be more related to what caused the condition in the first place.

Some of the general symptoms that may be considered for people with hyponatremia include nausea, vomiting and headaches. As the hyponatremia becomes worse, patients may experience confusion as well as diminished reflexes. A worsening condition might further lead to convulsions and even stupor or coma.

How to treat low blood sodium?

Severe hyponatremia can lead to a shift of water content in the blood to go to the brain cells. Severe hyponatremia may lead to a fatal swelling of the brain if not addressed or treated immediately. Treating the condition may depend of the underlying cause of hyponatremia in patients.

Electrolyte supplements such as hypertonic saline may be given in order to rapidly increase sodium levels in people with hyponatremia. Another type of drug used to treat low blood sodium is an Arginine vasopressin antagonist. This drug allows the body to undergo aquaresis or the excretion of free water.

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 9:32 PM on September 30, 2008

Hyponatremia occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have an excess of water in your blood plasma. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long term care facilities. Older adults usually become ill with hyponatremia due to age-related causes that affect the way they metabolize water, such as:

An excessive water intake
Less frequent urination
Changes in the kidneys, such as decreased mass or blood flow
Other factors and conditions that could affect your mother's blood sodium level that aren't related to her water metabolism include:

Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants and pain medications
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Cirrhosis
Kidney failure
Heart failure
An excess of anti-diuretic hormone
The signs and symptoms of hyponatremia are nonspecific and occur in many conditions. The only way a doctor can confirm whether you have hyponatremia is by a blood test. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia may include:

Nausea
Headache
Confu sion
Lethargy
Decreased consciousness or coma
Severe hyponatremia may lead to rapid, fatal swelling of the brain. Treatment of hyponatremia varies, depending on its cause. Your mother's doctor may try to fix the underlying cause first, such as changing her medication. A second course of action might be to improve her low blood sodium with changes in her water and salt consumption. Your mother's doctor can advise you on the best way to treat her condition.
visit /www.mayoclinic.co

Answered by Jyothi , an ibibo Master, at 7:26 PM on September 30, 2008

well,Hyponatremia is an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. Severe hyponatremia may lead to rapid swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. Low blood sodium is common in older adults. This is due to age-related changes and increased prevalence of chronic disease that may impair the body's normal sodium balance.

Potential causes of hyponatremia include:

* Medications such as certain diuretics, antidepressants and pain medications
* Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
* Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
* Severe vomiting or diarrhea
* Dehydration
* Cirrhosis
* Kidney failure
* Heart failure

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include:

* Nausea
* Headache
* Confusion
* Lethargy
* Decreased consciousness or coma

Because these signs and symptoms are nonspecific and occur in many conditions, the only way a doctor can confirm low blood sodium is by a blood test.

Treatment of hyponatremia is directed at the underlying cause, if it can be identified and corrected. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily cut back on fluids to increase blood sodium levels.

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 4:07 PM on September 30, 2008

Low sodium in the blood can make it harder to think and focus, and it is common in older adults.

Simple things such as forgetting your daily routine, struggling with crossword puzzles, or having a loss of balance, could be a sign of low sodium.

Our body naturally controls its sodium and water levels. When the level of sodium in the blood drops too low, hyponatremia (low blood sodium) can develop.

Low blood sodium is also linked with other conditions such as chronic heart failure, lung disease, liver disease, and cancer. In addition, a person’s sodium level naturally drops as they age. Signs of the condition can range from a headache to seizures depending on the person’s sodium level.

Answered by SESHAN , an ibibo Master, at 3:47 PM on September 30, 2008

Hyponatremia occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have an excess of water in your blood plasma. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long term care facilities. Older adults usually become ill with hyponatremia due to age-related causes that affect the way they metabolize water, such as:
An excessive water intake
Less frequent urination
Changes in the kidneys, such as decreased mass or blood flow
Other factors and conditions that could affect your mother's blood sodium level that aren't related to her water metabolism include:
Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants and pain medications
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Cirrhosis
Kidney failure
Heart failure
An excess of anti-diuretic hormone
The signs and symptoms of hyponatremia are nonspecific and occur in many conditions. The only way a doctor can confirm whether you have hyponatremia is by a blood test. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia may include:
Nausea
Headache
Confusion
Lethargy
Decreased consciousness or coma
Severe hyponatremia may lead to rapid, fatal swelling of the brain. Treatment of hyponatremia varies, depending on its cause. Your mother's doctor may try to fix the underlying cause first, such as changing her medication. A second course of action might be to improve her low blood sodium with changes in her water and salt consumption. Your mother's doctor can advise you on the best way to treat her condition.

Answered by Alok , an ibibo Master, at 3:14 PM on September 30, 2008