The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hyponatraemia — Emergency Treatment

Severe sodium drop in serum may cause life-threatening cerebral oedema and convulsion.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Hyponatraemia — Emergency Treatment?

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte disorder; it results from imbalance between water excess or sodium loss.

It is classified as hypovolaemic (diuretic, vomiting), euvolaemic (SIADH) and hypervolaemic (heart failure, cirrhosis).

Acute (<48 hours) hyponatraemia carries a high cerebral oedema risk; rapid correction in chronic forms causes osmotic demyelination.

Symptoms

Mild: nausea, headache and weakness
Moderate: confusion, lethargy and gait disturbance
Severe: convulsion, coma and respiratory arrest
Hypovolaemic findings (orthostatic hypotension)
Oedema and hypervolaemic findings
Falls in the elderly and bone fractures
Cognitive disturbances and reflex slowing

Risk Factors

Thiazide diuretic and SSRI use
Heart failure and liver cirrhosis
Syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)
Adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism
Severe vomiting/diarrhoea and burn
Marathon runners (overhydration)
Postoperative period and elderly patient

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Emergency presentation is mandatory in any convulsion, severe confusion and unconsciousness
  • Sodium <125 mEq/L or symptomatic case requires hospital admission
  • Intensive care monitoring is required for SIADH or rapid sodium decrease
  • Treatment must be coordinated with the endocrinology and nephrology team

Treatment Methods

01
3% hypertonic saline 100 mL bolus in symptomatic severe hyponatraemia (sodium <120)
02
Limit to 8–10 mEq/L sodium increase in 24 hours (avoid demyelination)
03
Fluid restriction (<800 mL/day) in SIADH
04
Tolvaptan (vasopressin antagonist) in chronic refractory case
05
Treatment of underlying cause (diuretic withdrawal, hormone replacement)
06
Frequent serum sodium and neurological monitoring

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.