Does hyponatremia mean anything to you? And yet, this condition might be quite serious, even fatal. Making its big comeback in France in view of the 2022 heat wave, hyponatremia is not to be taken lightly and is the subject of concern with the government. What exactly does it consist of and what precautions should be taken at all costs? The editorial staff gives you free of charge all the information you need to stay vigilant.
Definition of hyponatremia: the little-known disorder associated with heat waves
Heatwave and hyponatremia: what exactly is the relationship between these two phenomena? We explain to you. This health problem is characterized by a reduction in the concentration of sodium (salt) in the blood, which then becomes less than 136 mmol/L. For information, the normal blood sodium level (natremia) is between 135 and 145 mmol/L. And why exactly does this decrease in salt occur in the human organism? To discover the main cause in the following paragraphs.
The causes and consequences of hyponatremia
Every doctor will tell you: drink water daily is an essential gesture for the good health of the organism. Yes, but in reasonable quantities, between 1.5 and 2 liters per day maximum. Indeed, the overconsumption of water during the day also leads to serious health problems such as hyponatremia. It usually occurs during hot spells when people tend to increase their fluid intake. To suffer from it, you have to drink more than three or four liters of water daily and also be a victim of poor nutrition. However, this serious state is also associated with the taking of certain diuretic drugs, especially in people with hypertension or renal or cardiac insufficiency.
Overall, this excess water in the body causes the body to dilute, which in turn causes the dilution of mineral salts including sodium. In other words, hyponatremia presents a state of hyper hydration that also hides serious health risks. What are the complications?
The consequences of hyponatremia
Left untreated, hyponatremia can lead to serious health complications, including the following:
- Osteoporosis
- Bone fractures
- cerebral edema
- Brain damage
- Epileptic seizures
- Coma
- Death
What are the symptoms of hyponatremia?
Symptoms of low blood sodium levels vary from person to person and can go down gradually, resulting in no signs at first. In the event of a rapid decline, the manifestations are more obvious and more serious. Symptoms fall into two groups: common and severe.
Common symptoms:
- Weakness
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Confusion
- Irritability
Serious symptoms:
- Overactive reflexes
- Loss of consciousness
- Epileptic seizures
- Coma
- Death (in the most serious cases)
Attention : Rapid sodium loss is a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance.
People at risk
Certain factors and health conditions can increase your risk of hyponatremia. Here is an overview:
- The elderly
- Taking diuretics or antidepressants
- Patients with kidney or heart failure
- High-level athletes
- Living in warmer climates
- Stick to a low-sodium diet
If you are at higher risk of hyponatremia due to pre-existing conditions, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
The treatment
Yes, hyponatremia during the heat wave is a fairly widespread phenomenon that poses serious health risks. But how to treat it? So, the treatment of high blood sodium depends mainly on its level, the cause and the severity of the symptoms. Therapies may include:
- Reduced fluid intake
- Changing the dosage of diuretics
- Taking medication to treat symptoms
- Treatment of underlying health conditions
- Intravenous (IV) sodium solution
Hyponatremia and heat wave: What regarding prevention?
To prevent overhydration, nothing might be simpler! It is enough to reduce the amount of water consumed per day and try not to exceed the daily intake of 1.5 liters, the amount recommended by the Ministry of Health. Do not forget a balanced diet and foods rich in water, as well as medical advice to properly adapt your treatment, if you follow one.
*Source used: Healthline
