How to Diagnose Hyponatremia

A very low concentration of sodium in one's blood serum characterizes hyponatremia. When someone consumes too much water or his body can't get rid of fluids effectively, hyponatremia can occur. To diagnose a case of hyponatremia, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit your doctor for a physical examination so he can observe and check out some of the symptoms that you have. Signs of hyponatremia include vomiting, nausea, muscle weakness and lethargy.
2. Talk to your doctor about your medical history and diet. Bouts of recent severe diarrhea or vomiting can contribute to hyponatremia. In addition, drinking very large amounts of fluids, such as water, can also cause hyponatremia. This information can help your doctor diagnose hyponatremia.
3. Have tests performed on a sample of your urine. These tests include urine sodium, which measures the concentration of sodium in your urine, and urine osmolality, which measures the concentration of particles present in your urine. The results from these tests can help diagnose and confirm a case of hyponatremia.
4. Allow your doctor to draw your blood lab work, such as the serum sodium and serum osmolality tests. The serum sodium test measures the concentration of sodium in your blood serum, and the serum osmolality test measures the concentration of particles in your blood serum. A serum sodium test result below 130 mM (millimol) of sodium indicates hyponatremia.

Tips & Warnings

• The information in this article is not meant to serve as a substitute for regular medical advice and care. Always contact your own personal physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health.