Sodium Deficiency Diseases Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Sodium Deficiency is a rare problem that can occur in old age people. There may be several reasons behind this Sodium Deficiency which we we discuss later, but it can result into some serious consequences like altered personality, lethargy, confusion, seizures, coma and even death. Coma and Death are result of very high Sodium Deficiency. It should be taken care of when you notice the symptoms like Altered Personality and Confusion.

Why does Sodium Deficiency Occur ?


In most of the cases sodium deficiency occurs in old age people, especially those who are on some sort of medication. Sometimes patients of high blood pressure don't take the minimum required amount of salt, which is main source of Sodium in our body. It results in deficiency of sodium in our body.
Sometimes some medications which are used to purify the blood, filters out the sodium in blood through urine. It can also result into Sodium deficiency.

What are Symptoms of Sodium Deficiency ?


  • Altered Personality
  • Lethargy (Feeling of Tiredness)
  • Gastrointestinal Distress (Decreased Appetite, Nausea and Vomiting)
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death
Coma and death are result of extreme cases of Sodium Deficiency. Age also plays an important role in severity of symptoms. Old age people will have more adverse condition then a younger person with same level of sodium deficiency.

Sodium Deficiency Treatment


If the condition is not much adverse then doctors might suggest you to take good amount of salt in your diet, as salt is the main source of Sodium in our diet. If the patient is not able to take salt in diet then he/she may take capsules of salt (it will remove the feeling of Salt on tongue, as the capsule will dissolve in stomach).

In some extreme case doctors might suggest the patient to take saline through blood. Its directly induced into blood stream just like glucose. Its an easier way to increase Sodium level at a faster rate.

Facts about Sodium in our body

  • Normal blood sodium levels fall between 135 and 145 mEq/L
  • Sodium deficiency is known as Hyponatremia
  • Overhydration, burns, diarrhea and vomiting may cause sodium levels to drop
  • Low sodium level causes expanding of tissue cells. Our brain can't handle this increase of size of cells and create abnormalities in body which results in various symptoms.





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