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.
How do you feel when sodium is low?
Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue. Restlessness and irritability. Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps. Seizures.
What is the main cause of low sodium?
A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
Can a person recover from low sodium levels?
Hyponatremia can result from multiple diseases that often are affecting the lungs, liver or brain, heart problems like congestive heart failure, or medications. Most people recover fully with their doctor's help.
How do you raise the sodium level 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.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
When should I put my dog down with an enlarged heart?How do you fix low sodium?
