Hyponatremia
Reinagel, M.
(2016, March/April). Who is affected by hyponatremia? Food & Nutrition.
Page 14.
Hyponatremia is
a life threatening condition that occurs when blood sodium levels drop below
135 mmol/L. Excessive amounts of sodium
are lost through urination, perspiration, vomiting or diarrhea, resulting in
hyponatremia. Overhydration, medications
or certain health conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease,
and syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone can also cause dilutional
hyponatremia. Athletes, specifically
female athletes who participate in long-duration sports most often experience
hyponatremia. Certain medications such
as diuretics may deplete the body of electrolytes and therefore sodium, leading
to low levels in the blood. Children and the elderly who receive intravenous
administration of hypotonic fluids in excessive quantities or speeds can cause
dilutional hyponatremia. It’s also
important to closely monitor patients who receive parental nutrition in effort
to maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance.
-AC
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