Electrolytes (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Conditions of Sodium Imbalance
Patient Comment
Read 1 Comment
Hypernatremia (hyper= too much + natr= sodium + emia=in the blood) is usually associated with dehydration, and instead of having too much sodium, there is too little water. This water loss can occur from illnesses with vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating from exercise or fever, or from drinking fluid that has too high concentrations of salt. Hyponatremia (hypo=too little) is caused by water intoxication (drinking so much water that it dilutes the sodium in the blood and overwhelms the kidney's compensation mechanism) or by a syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). SIADH can be associated with illnesses like pneumonia, brain diseases, cancer, thyroid problems, and some medications. Symptoms of Sodium ImbalanceToo much or too little sodium can cause cells to malfunction. Lethargy, confusion, weakness, swelling, seizures, and coma are some symptoms that can occur with hyper - or hyponatremia. The treatment of these conditions is dependent on the underlying cause, but it is important for the health care practitioner to understand the reason for the abnormal sodium level and correct the sodium imbalance relatively slowly. Rapid correction can cause abnormal flow of water into or out of cells. This is especially important to prevent brain cell damage (central pontine myolysis). Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 10/25/2016
Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Electrolytes
Anatomy of the Digestive System
Digestion is the process in which food is broken into smaller pieces so the body can use them to build and nourish cells and provide energy. The learn more >>
Dehydration in Children
Dehydration in children can result from not drinking enough liquids, learn more >>
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is most commonly caused by learn more >> Patient Comments & ReviewsThe eMedicineHealth doctors ask about Electrolytes:Electrolytes - ExperienceWhat conditions have you experienced from having too many or too few electrolytes? Sodium Imbalance - Patient ExperienceHave you experienced sodium imbalance? Please describe your experience. Potassium Imbalance - Patient ExperienceHave you experienced potassium imbalance? Please describe your experience. |
From 
Nutrition and Healthy Eating Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Nutrition Management in the Newborn »
This article describes important principles and specific methods of fluid, electrolyte, and nutrition (FEN) management in newborns, with a special focus on patients with complex fluid and electrolyte requirements, including premature, very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates, as well as patients who have undergone abdominal surgery and those who have sepsis.
