How to Treat Hyponatremia

The symptoms of sudden hyponatremia often suggest other conditions, and misdiagnose puts you at risk. A rapid shift in electrolyte levels can cause immediate brain swelling and severe complications. It is best to identify hyponatremia early and treat the condition to gradually diminish or eliminate its effects.

Instructions

1. Adjust your fluid intake or use of diuretics as directed when your doctor has determined that excessive hydration is causing your fluctuating blood salt levels.

2. Receive intravenous electrolyte replacement when your illness is brought on by a more severe and sudden blood imbalance accompanied by acute symptoms, such as loss of consciousness. This procedure must be done in the hospital as soon as possible and may require an overnight stay.

3. Take any medications prescribed by your doctor to manage mild, temporary symptoms, such as headache or nausea.

4. Take prescribed medications to manage seizures. These may be needed for the long term for patients whose risk for hyponatremia does not decrease with treatment and prevention.

5. Treat other health issues that may contribute to hyponatremia risk, such as adrenal gland imbalance, cirrhosis or kidney disease.

6. Ask your doctor to suggest an average fluid intake for you and then monitor yourself. Drink enough water, but not too much, every day.

7. Measure your fluid intake during intense sports activity, the time you are most susceptible to hyponatremia. General guidelines are not to drink more than you will lose in sweat, or 31 ounces per hour.

Tips & Warnings

• Blood salt levels are important for the regulation of blood pressure and should be considered an important indication of overall health.

• Symptoms alone won't confirm hyponatremia. Only a special blood or urine test and a doctor's diagnosis will verify whether you have the condition.

• Use sports drinks on the advice of your doctor. Don't assume that drinking a formula that includes electrolytes will prevent hyponatremia. You still must consider the amount of water in the formula, which may be excessive, depending on what else you drink.

• Whether you treat hyponatremia or not, you may always be at risk for the condition. Take preventative measures to stay healthy.

• Severe, sudden hyponatremia, which requires rapid replacement of electrolytes, can result in coma or death if left untreated. Simply drinking water will not reverse the condition.