About this topic
A low level of sodium in the blood is hyponatremia. Sodium is a mineral that helps keep the right amount of water in and around your cells. It is one of the most important minerals as well. It helps your body: ‚
- Keep blood pressure normal
- Keep nerves and muscles working the right way
- Control the normal flow of nutrients between body fluids and cells
Your doctor will work to treat any hidden cause. You may need to have drugs help raise the sodium in your blood. You may be in the hospital until your levels are back to normal. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Stay in a cool room to avoid sweating.
- Ask your doctor if you need to limit your fluids or drink special fluids.
- Stay away from beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need another test to check the sodium level in your blood. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Raise the sodium levels in your blood
- Help with signs like headache, upset stomach, and seizures
- Treat the cause of your low sodium
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest for the first few days. Avoid hard activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask if you need to eat more foods high in sodium. Some of them include milk and processed meats. Ask if you need to limit the amount of fluids you drink. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Cramping or twitching of the muscles
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Feeling weak or tired
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Very bad headache
- You or your family notice that you are not thinking clearly
- You do not know where you are
- Seizure
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet and if I need to limit my fluids.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have cramping or twitching of my muscles.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0515/p2387.html ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Salt ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚