Are you looking for information on a potentially dangerous condition? Hyponatremia is a medical condition that occurs when your body has an abnormally low sodium level. This blog post will discuss hyponatremia, its causes and symptoms, and how it can be treated.
Just as the body needs to be hydrated, it needs to retain sodium in the blood. However, drinking too much water can be dangerous when exerting energy. It can cause an electrolyte disturbance that results in lower sodium in the plasma, leading to immediate and long-term health conditions and even death.
What is Hyponatremia?
This condition is “the most common serious cause of exercise-associated collapse,” according to Dr. Robert Sallis (Sports Science Exchange, Volume 17). Hyponatremia can either be brought on by dehydration, causing a low blood volume resulting in a low sodium content, or by hyperhydration (drinking too much water,) diluting the sodium content to extremely low levels.
The risk of acute rehydration-related hyponatremia (sodium levels below 135 mEq/L) in marathon runners is frequent (about 13%), as reported by Petzold, A., Keir, G., & Appleby, I. (Journal of Medical Case Reports).
Sodium (found in salt and other foods and drinks) is essential for the body. However, the body loses sodium during strenuous activity, particularly when accompanied by heavy sweating.
Drinking copious amounts of water simultaneously will hydrate the body. Still, the water may be toxic to the blood, lowering (diluting) already low sodium levels in plasma.
Although an extended period of strenuous activity (several hours) is usually required for someone to develop hyponatremic conditions, it should not be overlooked as a danger. In short, drinking too much water and sweating too much with no sodium replacement is the cause of hyponatremia.
The normal range for sodium in the blood is between 135 and 145 mEq/L. Hyponatremia can range from mild to severe depending on the sodium concentration in the blood (Sallis, R.):
- Mild – 131-134 mEq/L
- Moderate – 126-130 mEq/L
- Severe – less than 126 mEq/L
Causes of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can be caused by several things, including drinking too much water, taking certain medications, and suffering from certain medical conditions. Drinking too much water can dilute sodium levels and lead to hyponatremia.
Medications like diuretics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can also contribute to hyponatremia. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver diseases, or heart failure, can cause hyponatremia.
It is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of hyponatremia, as they can help diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Physiology of Hyponatremia
Endurance athletes are cautioned to stay hydrated before, during, and after races. Unfortunately, too much water can cause a lethal physiological reaction in the brain.
Drinking too much water can dilute the blood. As a result, water rushes into the cells, including the brain cells. As brain cells increase in size, pressure is increased within the brain because of the limited space between the brain and the skull.
According to Dr. Lewis G. Maharam, the medical director for the New York City Marathon (New York Times, October 20, 2005), doctors can misdiagnose hyponatremia as dehydration and mistakenly treat the patient with intravenous fluids. This can exacerbate the problem.
Story of Mark Robinson
Mark Robinson competed in the 2004 Boston Marathon at the age of 27. The race was on a hot day, with temperatures expected in the 90s. Robinson prepared by drinking a gallon of water before the race and drinking several cups of water at each water station during the race.
He continued to drink water after the race even though he wasn’t feeling well and started vomiting. His condition deteriorated until he collapsed in his parent’s home. He was transported via helicopter to the Boston Medical Center and was given intravenous fluids because the medical team thought he was dehydrated (New York Times, October 20, 2005).
His condition deteriorated. He lapsed into a coma for four days. His diagnosis was hyponatremia. He has since recovered but stated that he would never run a marathon race again.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can be hard to detect because its symptoms can be similar to other conditions. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia to seek medical help quickly. The most common symptoms are:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Bloated Stomach
- Altered Consciousness
- Swelling in extremities (fingers and ankles)
- Seizures
Additionally, you may experience swelling in your hands, feet, and face and an increased heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Preventions and Treatment of Hyponatremia
First, to prevent hyponatremia, replacement of any lost sodium is imperative. Drinking water should not be compromised, as hypernatremia (dehydration) may result from high sodium levels because of insufficient water intake. The best thing to do in marathons or long hikes in hot weather (or any strenuous physical activity) is to balance water and sodium intake.
Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and electrolyte powder packets for hikers, may be mixed with water to help restore sodium. Eating small, salty snacks such as crackers, peanuts, and pretzels may also prevent hyponatremia. When symptoms occur, it may mean that not enough sodium has been taken in. Eat or drink something with sodium as soon as possible at this time.
For more serious cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help regulate sodium levels or even recommend dialysis. In severe cases, intravenous administration of concentrated sodium may be necessary. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as reducing sodium intake, maintaining adequate hydration, and exercising regularly can help to prevent or manage hyponatremia.
It’s also important to avoid taking certain medications that can cause hyponatremia, such as diuretics or certain antidepressants. Additionally, suppose you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for hyponatremia, such as heart failure or kidney disease. In that case, following your doctor’s recommendations for managing your condition is important.
Recommended Amount To Drink During Exercise
Healthy athletes should not be dying from drinking too much water. Although athletes are told to “drink, drink, drink,” the hydration message must be balanced with caution.
Athletes need to be educated on what to drink and how much to drink races. However, experts differ in their opinions on the value of sports drinks in reducing hyponatremia.
Although Dr. Robert Sallis advocates for sports drinks containing sodium, others disagree about the effectiveness of sports drinks in preventing hyponatremia (Dr. Lewis Maraham, New York Times). Dr. Maraham recommends no more than eight ounces of fluid every 20 minutes, regardless of the fluid type.
Coping with Hyponatremia
Coping with Hyponatremia is an important part of managing the condition. While adjusting to a new dietary and lifestyle routine can be difficult, it is possible to live a healthy life with hyponatremia.
Start by understanding the condition and what treatment options are available. Consulting with your doctor to understand the best course of action for your individual needs is also important. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help keep your sodium levels in check. Furthermore, limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine can help prevent further episodes of hyponatremia.
It is also important to keep in close contact with your doctor and keep track of your sodium levels. If you notice any signs of hyponatremia, contact your doctor right away. Additionally, it can be helpful to join a support group or find a mentor with hyponatremia experience. This can provide valuable insights and advice on how to cope with the condition.
Learning to cope with hyponatremia requires patience and dedication, but it is possible to live a healthy, happy life with the condition. With the right treatment plan, you can manage your symptoms and keep your sodium levels in check.
Living with Hyponatremia
Living with hyponatremia can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and monitoring. Additionally, you should avoid activities that increase your risk of dehydration, such as strenuous exercise and drinking alcohol.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is also important for managing hyponatremia. Eating foods that are high in sodium can help increase your sodium levels. However, talking to a doctor before making any major dietary changes is important. Finally, it is important to stay in contact with your doctor, so they can monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Jay
Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."
