salt imbalance

An imbalance occurs when the concentration of sodium in the body (also known as salt when it is combined as sodium chloride), is too high or low. The condition is called hyponatremia when there is too much water compared to sodium. It is called hypernatremia when there is too little water compared to sodium. Most people with hypernatremia also have a shortage of all body fluids.

 

The kidneys absorb most of the sodium and water in the body and their concentration is in a narrow balance. Normally, the sodium-water balance in the body is regulated by a pituitary hormone called "ADH" or vasopressin. This hormone causes the kidneys to hold onto water.

 

When this system is out of balance, the body either gets rid of or absorbs too much water. Loss of water in excess of sodium leads to hypernatremia. This is often aggravated by a decrease in water taken in, making the situation worse. Water retained in excess, is associated with hyponatremia. Too much or too little water for the sodium can seriously injure brain tissue. Despite the term "natremia" it is the water not sodium that is the problem.

 

Common signs and symptoms of salt and water imbalance include:

 

Too little water for the sodium in the blood (hypernatremia) may be caused by: severe vomitingsevere diarrheaexcessive exercise and sweatingburnspoor kidney function, such as acute and chronic renal failureinfections or high feverdecreased thirstbrain injuriesfailure to communicate need for water, especially in nursing home residents who may already have less than normal kidney function.

A person can take these actions to help prevent salt imbalance: avoid salty foods, salt tablets, or salty liquids, such as sports drinks drink plenty of water during exercise drink plenty of water when taking diuretics keep follow-up appointments with the doctor for chronic disease treatment

A healthcare professional can diagnose salt and water imbalance by taking a complete medical history and ordering blood (especially electrolyte) and urine tests. Other tests may be done depending on the person's symptoms (such as measurement of thyroid and adrenal hormones). If the patient has SIADH a chest x ray may be done.