Sodium or sodium is an important electrolyte in the body. Sodium can help control blood pressure and is needed to support muscle and nerve function. Low sodium levels in the blood are also known as hyponatremia. Common causes include burns, diarrhea, excessive sweating, vomiting, and use of drugs that increase urine output, such as diuretics. If not treated properly, low sodium levels can cause muscle weakness, headaches, hallucinations, and worst of all, death. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of hyponatremia or seek emergency help for severe symptoms. You may just need to change medications or treat an underlying disease to increase blood sodium levels.
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Method 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Help for the Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for symptoms of hyponatremia if you have a disease that increases your risk
Suffering from certain diseases can increase the risk of low sodium levels in the blood. This means, you have to be very careful and watch out for the symptoms. Some diseases or conditions that put you at risk for low sodium levels include:
- Kidney disease, heart disease, or liver cirrhosis
- Old age, for example over 65 years old
- Intensive exercise regularly, such as participating in triathlons, marathons and ultramarathons
- Using certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, and some pain relievers.
Step 2. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of hyponatremia
Mild or moderate symptoms are usually not an emergency. However, if you are at risk for low sodium levels in your blood, you should be more aware of the symptoms. However, keep in mind that symptoms of low sodium levels may also be symptoms of other problems. Call your doctor if you experience:
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Cramps
- Weak
Step 3. Seek immediate medical attention to treat severe symptoms
A decrease in sodium levels in the body can be dangerous for you, especially if it is severe. This condition can even be fatal if left unchecked. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
Step 4. Have a blood sodium test if you suspect it is low
If you have symptoms of low sodium levels or suspect you have them, see your doctor. The only way to confirm your blood sodium level is to have a blood or urine test.
Low sodium levels can be a serious condition. So, you should get treatment right away if you suspect you have a problem
Method 2 of 3: Overcoming Low Sodium Levels in the Blood
Step 1. Stop using the drug if your doctor recommends it
There are several types of drugs that can cause low sodium levels. So, you may have to stop using these drugs to deal with it. Tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter, or even illegal drugs you use regularly. Several types of drugs commonly cause hyponatremia, including:
- thiazide diuretics
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Indapamide (Natrilex)
- theophylline
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
Step 2. Treat diseases that may underlie low sodium levels
If low sodium levels in the blood are caused by another disease, you should seek treatment for it. Addressing the underlying disease may help with low sodium levels. However, if the disease cannot be cured, you will have to use drugs. Diseases that can cause low sodium levels in the blood include:
- Kidney illness
- Heart disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Severe burns
- Gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Step 3. Ask for medications for low sodium levels
If your blood sodium level is low and doesn't improve with other treatments, or if there are no other options, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic that can increase the sodium level in your blood. Use this medication as directed and do not take more than the recommended dose.
Tolvaptan (Samsca) is a drug commonly used to treat low sodium levels. Tell your doctor what medications you are taking and use these medications as directed
Step 4. Use an intravenous infusion to treat very low sodium levels
Intravenous isotonic saline may be needed if low sodium levels in the blood are causing shock. This can occur in acute or severe cases. Prompt intravenous infusion treatment should help restore electrolyte balance. However, in this situation, the sufferer may have to be hospitalized.
Method 3 of 3: Balancing Fluid Intake and Output
Step 1. Limit drinking 1 to 1.5 liters of water a day if recommended by your doctor
Drinking too much water can dilute the sodium in the blood, causing its levels to drop. Increasing sodium levels can also be done by reducing fluid intake. However, consult your doctor first before doing so
Urine and thirst are indicators of whether the body is getting enough fluids or not. If your urine is pale white and you don't feel thirsty, then you are well hydrated
Step 2. Drink sports drinks if you are active
If you are an athlete or are active and sweat a lot, a drink like this may be helpful in maintaining blood sodium levels. Drinking sports drinks will help replace sodium electrolytes that are lost in the blood. Drink sports drinks before, during, or after exercise.
Sports drinks contain important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium
Step 3. Avoid using diuretics unless recommended by your doctor
Unless you have another illness and your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not use diuretics. Diuretics will stimulate urine production and prevent water retention in the body. However, this drug can also cause dehydration.
