Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia Causes
Most cases of hyponatremia are linked with reduced plasma osmolarity. In fact, the vast majority of adult cases are due to heightened vasopressin, that is, anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). Vasopressin is a hormone that results to retention of water, but not salt. Hence, the patient with hyponatremia can be seen as the patient with increased ADH activity. It is the physician's duty to identify the cause of the increased ADH activity in each case.
Hyponatremia Definition
Hyponatremia is an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood.
Hyponatremia Diagnosis
The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. He or she will likely ask about the signs and symptoms, and whether the patient has experienced recent vomiting, diarrhea, or other significant fluid loss.
Hyponatremia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of hyponatremia includes nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, appetite loss, restlessness and irritability, muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, seizures, and decreased consciousness or coma.
Hyponatremia Treatment
Hyponatremia treatment is targeted at the underlying cause, if it can be identified and corrected. If there is moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to the use of diuretics or excessive water consumption, the doctor may advise the patient to temporarily cut back on fluids or adjust the diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in the blood.
Drugs used for treatment of Hyponatremia
Declomycin