Why my sodium level is low? How to prevent low sodium level?

Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water in the circulation and tissues. Sodium helps maintain normal blood pressure. Sodium also plays an important role in how nerves and muscles function.

A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). When sodium level in the blood drops to below 135 mEq/L, it is called Hyponatremia or abnormally low sodium level in the blood.

When hyponatremia occurs, the water in the circulation and tissues enter body cells resulting in cell swelling. Cell swelling causes a wide range of signs and symptoms which may include:
* Nausea and vomiting
* Headache
* Confusion
* Loss of energy, drowsiness
* Restlessness and irritability
* Muscle weakness and cramps
* Seizures
* Coma

When sodium levels drop gradually over 3 days or longer, the symptoms and complications of hyponatremia are usually less severe.
When sodium levels drop quickly, rapid brain swelling can occur which can lead to seizures,coma and even death.

Many conditions can cause hyponatremia:
Medications such as certain water pills, antidepressants and pain pills can cause hyponatremia.
The use of Ecstasy or MDMA, a recreational drug, can lead to hyponatremia.
Congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease can cause fluids to accumulate in your body. Fluid accumulation dilutes the sodium in your body and thus lowers the sodium level.
Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone which can cause your body to retain water and lower the sodium level.
Conditions that cause dehydration such as severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Drinking too much water.
Alcohol consumption.
Adrenal gland insufficiency
Underactive thyroid

Hyponatremia can be diagnosed with simple blood tests that measure the sodium level in the bloodstream.

Prevention of Hyponatremia
The following measures may help you prevent the occurrence of hyponatremia:
* Check blood tests regularly when you are taking medications that can cause Hyponatremia
* Follow your physician’s advice for the treatment of medical conditions that can contribute to hyponatremia, for example, adrenal gland insufficiency, underactive thyroid, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease etc.
* Take precautions during high-intensity activities. Athletes should drink only as much fluid as they lose due to sweating during a race.
* Consider drinking sports beverages during demanding activities such as marathons, triathlons.
* Drink water in moderation. If you do not feel thirsty and your urine is pale yellow, you are likely getting adequate fluid.
* Maintain adequate hydration if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea
* Drink alcohol in moderation. It is recommended that men should not drink more than 2 drinks a day and women should not drink more than 1 drink a day.
* Avoid using recreational drug, Ecstasy.

Treatment of Hyponatremia

If you develop severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness, you should seek emergency care immediately.
Severe Hyponatremia should be treated with intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline. Sodium level should be raised gradually over 24 to 72 hours. Rapid correction of sodium level is dangerous.
A new medication, Tolvaptan, can be used to treat hyponatremia in patients with heart failure or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
Less severe Hyponatremia can be managed in an outpatient setting. Addressing the underlying medical conditions, restriction of fluid intake, adjusting diuretic use, cutting down alcohol intake, discontinuation of contributing medications can help correct Hyponatremia

[gregjames]

I have never ever heard anyone talk anything about low sodium level, especially before surgery until recently denied surgery procedure until my low sodium level got maintained, , ,
Not even the anesthesiologist, who talked to me the day before did not mention low sodium level, but only mentioned about no eating or drinking after midnight before & reduce alcohol & smoking the night before, ,
But, nothing was ever mentioned to me about low sodium level at any time before by any doctors or nurses, nor have I ever heard of any accounts by any patients undergoing surgery procedures, , ,
I believe there should be more discussion about low sodium levels in much of medical related advertising, postings at all medical facilities which lead patients towards surgical procedures, , ,
My designated time off work got prolonged 5 extra days for next available schedule for a necessary procedure, along with mind blowing constructs of conditions which I had never been aware of before, , ,
Medical community, this issue is in your ballpark & warrants & deserves your messaging about low sodium levels before surgery as it is your responsibility that patients are aware of the consequences that can be managed properly ONLY when there is pertinent messaging made available before they are surprised by such inconvenient denial of necessary procedures which causes inconveniences for everyone, , ,

[luk]

How it’s low if you have 142 ? And the low value it’s 136 and high value it’s 144 . Your 142 it’s high, and not low, because it’s most close to 144, and not to low value 136 .