Top Signs You Need Hyponatremia Treatment in Brockton, MA

An image of a stethoscope and medications used for the treatment of hyponatremia.

You have probably heard about the dangers of having too much sodium in your blood. But did you know that not having enough of it can be just as harmful? This condition is known as hyponatremia, and it can lead to adverse outcomes without proper medical intervention.

In the sections that follow, you will get a better understanding of hyponatremia—how it affects your body, what causes it, its signs and symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and where you can find expert treatment for it in Brockton, Massachusetts.

 

How Hyponatremia Disrupts Your Body and What Causes It

To better understand hyponatremia, it helps to take a closer look at the role of sodium in your body. Sodium is an electrolyte, a substance responsible for maintaining the balance of fluids in and around your cells, regulating your blood pressure, supporting nerve and muscle function, and regulating your heart rate and rhythm.

Sodium deficiency causes the amount of fluid in your body to increase. As fluid builds up, it permeates your cells and causes them to swell. The swelling can trigger a wide range of health problems, from mild to severe—or even fatal ones.

There are certain conditions and lifestyle factors that can lead to hyponatremia. Taking water pills (diuretics), using recreational drugs, drinking too much water, and kidney problems are some of its potential causes.

Signs You Need Treatment for Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia can develop either quickly or gradually, and its symptoms vary depending on its severity. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia to watch out for:

Persistent Headaches

Headaches are among the early warning signs of hyponatremia. Unlike the ones caused by stress or dehydration, these headaches tend to be persistent and are more difficult to relieve.

You might wonder, how are persistent headaches linked to hyponatremia? The latter often goes hand in hand with low blood pressure, which deprives your brain of oxygen-rich blood. Headaches, along with other disruptive symptoms, are likely to occur when your brain does not get the supply of oxygen and nutrients it needs.

Muscle Weakness and Cramps

Your muscles depend on sodium to contract and relax as they should. Not having enough sodium in your body can lead to muscle cramps and weakness.

Fatigue or Low Energy

Feeling tired after a long day is normal, but if it does not improve with rest, it could be a sign of hyponatremia. Sodium affects how effectively your body uses energy. Not having enough of this electrolyte can lead to extreme tiredness or fatigue.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting without an obvious cause like a stomach virus could also indicate hyponatremia.

If you are concerned about your risk for hyponatremia and you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, do not wait to seek treatment. Delaying it can put you at risk for life-threatening complications like brain swelling, muscle death (rhabdomyolysis), and cardiac arrest.

If you are experiencing seizures, fainting, or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest ER right away. These are symptoms of cerebral edema (brain swelling), a condition caused by fluid influx into your brain cells.

How is Hyponatremia Treated?

The treatment for hyponatremia depends on two key factors: how severe the sodium imbalance is and what caused it in the first place.

For mild hyponatremia, your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will recommend limiting your water intake and give you IV sodium solution to slowly restore the balance. If your hyponatremia is due to taking diuretics, your kidney doctor will either taper your dose or have you stop taking them. If it is due to a chronic illness, your nephrologist will treat the condition to address the problem altogether.

For severe hyponatremia, your nephrologist may give you an intravenous (IV) sodium solution. Your doctor may also administer a medication known as vasopressin receptor antagonist to help your body get rid of excess water without losing sodium.

Treatment for hyponatremia is typically done in a hospital setting. Regardless of the severity of your hyponatremia, medical supervision and close monitoring are necessary to ensure your sodium levels are consistently within normal range. Rapid increases and decreases in your sodium levels can be dangerous.

Where to Get Hyponatremia Treatment in Brockton, MA

For top-tier hyponatremia treatment in Brockton, MA, come see us here at Associates in Nephrology. Our team is led by two board-certified nephrologists who have made it their mission to help the men and women in our communities not just manage their kidney conditions but live long, fulfilling lives, as well. Our experts take pleasure in providing patients the guidance and resources they need to steer their health in the right direction.

To book a visit with one of our kidney doctors, contact our office at (508) 587-0700. Alternatively, you may use this appointment request form.

 

 

External Sources: