How Dangerous Is Hyponatremia? A Review By Doctors

Expert opinion from Israel B Dos Santos

Master of Public Health · 1 years of experience · Brazil

Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that’s in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body’s water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening. In chronic hyponatremia, sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer — and symptoms and complications are typically more moderate. In acute hyponatremia, sodium levels drop rapidly — resulting in potentially dangerous effects, such as rapid brain swelling, which can result in a coma and death.

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Expert opinion from Shobha S Reddy

MBBS, Masters in Diabetology, General Practitioner & Diabetologist · 15 years of experience · India

Hyponatremia is a situation in which the sodium levels in the blood are low. (Less than 135 meq/L). Normal levels of sodium in the blood are 135 to 145vmEq/L. Sodium plays an important role in blood in maintaining water levels in and around the cell. It also helps to maintain blood pressure, nerve and muscle cell function. Hyponatremia happens when someone has vomiting, diarrhea, medications like diuretics, heart/liver or kidney disease, SIADH, etc. When hyponatremia is left untreated it causes cerebral edema, seizures, coma, death.

Expert opinion from Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

Hyponatremia can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, gait difficulties, cognitive impairment and muscle cramps. If left untreated it can lead to seizures, coma and even death. The neurological damage can be irreversible whenever the treatment is delayed. It can also cause noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and respiratory arrest.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.