Hyponatremia means low sodium levels in the blood. It’s the opposite of the condition called hypernatremia, in which sodium levels are very high. Both conditions often occur when patients are staying in the hospital. This is especially true if they are receiving fluid intravenously, have an existing condition like kidney or heart disease, or are in critical care. Surveys have found that hyponatremia develops in 15 percent to 30 percent of all patients during hospital stays. Hyponatremia and related electrolyte imbalances can develop during exercise or in extreme heat, when dehydration symptoms are more common. When hyponatremia is mild or sometimes even moderate, it’s commonly asymptomatic. This means no noticeable symptoms occur that the patient is aware of. However, when it’s more severe, hyponatremia symptoms typically include headaches, nausea, and in some cases even seizures or a coma. Treatment for hyponatremia usually comes down to regulating fluid levels in the body. In other words, intake and excretion of salt versus water must be balanced.
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