Our bodies need both salt and water to function properly, however too much or too little of either can spell trouble for you. Two of the most common disorders due to an imbalance of water and salt in the body are hyponatremia and hypernatremia.

What is Hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia occurs when excessive retention of water leads to a low concentration of sodium in the blood. It’s easy to assume that the more water we drink, the better for us, but that’s not necessarily true. Excessive intake of water flushes sodium out of our blood cells, causing them to swell, which can be very dangerous.

Causes of Hyponatremia?

There are a variety of conditions and medications that can cause hyponatremia including prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, congestive heart failure, burns that cover a large portion of the body, lung cancer, antidepressants, and more. Consuming excessive amounts of water during exercise can also cause hyponatremia.

While dangerous, hyponatremia is not permanent and responds well to treatment. If you experience weakness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or lack of energy, especially in conjunction with certain medications (antidiuretics, antidepressants, etc.), you should consult a provider about your risk. Most forms of mild or moderate hyponatremia can be treated from home, but in extreme cases, your doctor may recommend an intravenous saline solution to prevent complications like brain damage or death.

Hypernatremia occurs when the body does not get enough water, causing the sodium levels in your blood to become abnormally high. An excess of sodium in the blood is a common problem for those of advanced age, but it can also affect those of all ages.

When the body doesn’t receive enough water, the sodium content of your blood rises, which causes water to migrate from other body tissues to balance out your system. If too much water is removed from vital areas like your brain cells, this condition can become dangerous. Symptoms of hypernatremia are like that of hyponatremia and include lethargy, confusion, seizures, or a coma.

There are many factors that could contribute to a case of hypernatremia. Those who have difficulty regulating their salt and water balance due to an impaired thirst mechanism, decline in kidney function, or unregulated hormones may be at greater risk.

For further consultation regarding a salt and water imbalance, make an appointment to see board-certified nephrologist, Sudip Ghimire, MD, FASN of TPMG Nephrology. To schedule an appointment, call (757) 599-3436.