Clinical Manifestations and Management Principles of Hyponatremia
The doctor mentioned during my previous medical checkup that I showed signs of hyponatremia. I would like to ask, what are the clinical manifestations and management principles of hyponatremia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Hyponatremia refers to a serum sodium concentration below 135 mmol/L and is one of the common electrolyte disturbances encountered in clinical practice. Its clinical manifestations are diverse. In the mild stage, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in hands and feet, and difficulty concentrating. As the condition progresses, especially when serum sodium drops below 125 mmol/L, patients may develop more pronounced symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, and muscle spasms. In cases of acute or severe hyponatremia, significant complications may occur, including altered consciousness, seizures, coma, apnea, and even death. The severity of symptoms is related to the speed and extent of the decline in serum sodium levels. The management principles mainly include the following points:
1. Treatment of underlying causes: It is essential first to identify the cause of hyponatremia, such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or renal insufficiency, and treat the underlying disease accordingly.
2. Restriction of water intake: For patients with hypervolemic hyponatremia, water intake should be restricted to reduce body fluid volume and help increase serum sodium concentration.
3. Sodium replacement therapy: Depending on the patient's specific condition, oral or intravenous administration of sodium salts may be used. However, care must be taken to avoid rapid correction of sodium levels to prevent exacerbation of cerebral edema.
