Seizures and Coma
The most extreme effects include seizures and coma, stemming from the brain’s severe reaction to low sodium levels, and, without intervention, can be fatal. These symptoms represent the body’s critical emergency response to drastically low sodium levels, affecting brain activity and potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.
Causes Behind Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia arises from a range of factors, each contributing to the imbalance of water and sodium in the body:
Severe vomiting or diarrhea
These conditions can rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes, stripping the body of its necessary sodium reserves. When the body loses more fluid than it takes in, it can’t maintain its sodium balance, leading to hyponatremia. This loss can be particularly acute in cases of severe gastrointestinal upset, where both water and sodium are expelled at alarming rates.
Certain medications
Medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, and pain medications can alter the body’s ability to retain sodium. These drugs may interfere with kidney function or hormonal balances that regulate sodium and water in the body, increasing the risk of developing low blood sodium.
Excessive water intake
Drinking too much water, especially during intense exercise, can dilute the sodium in your body, leading to hyponatremia. Although rare, this condition, known as water intoxication, overwhelms the kidneys’ capacity to excrete water, diluting sodium in the bloodstream.
Medical conditions
Conditions like kidney failure, liver disease, heart problems, and hormonal imbalances can affect the body’s sodium balance. These diseases may impair the organs and systems responsible for regulating sodium and water levels, leading to hyponatremia.
