The balance of electrolytes in the body is critical to normal cellular function. The electrolytes are those chemicals that are dissolved in the bodies fluid and exist as ions. The pituitary gland and the brain immediately connected to it, the hypothalamus, are essential in maintaining sodium levels. Diseases in these areas, disorders of the kidney, and systemic edema can all lead to lowered sodium levels or hyponatremia.
Causes of Hyponatremia
Loss of sodium or reabsorption of excess water may produce hyponatremia. In addition, edema secondary to heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and nephrotic syndrome may produce hyponatremia. Elevated glucose levels and elevated lipid levels in the blood may also produce pseudohyponatremia.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Many of the clinical features of hyponatremia relate to brain swelling and cerebral edema. The development and severity of symptoms is also related not only to the degree of hyponatremia, but also the rate at which the sodium concentration in the body is changing. Early on, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue occur. Later, headache, lethargy and confusion develop. Only at severe states do seizures or coma develop.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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