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Hyponatremia is the most common type of electrolyte imbalance, and is often found in older adults. [11] [12] It occurs in about 20% of those admitted to hospital and 10% of people during or after an endurance sporting event. [3] [5] Among those in hospital, hyponatremia is associated with an increased risk of death. [5]
More severe hyponatremia (levels less than 120 mEq/L), particularly if it develops rapidly (defined as occurring over less than 48 hours), can cause confusion, seizures and even lead to death ...
Severity of symptoms is directly correlated with severity of hyponatremia and rapidness of onset. [3] General symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion, agitation, and weakness. [14] [3] More concerning symptoms involve the central nervous system and include seizures, coma, and death due to brain herniation.
Tea and toast syndrome is a form of malnutrition commonly experienced by elderly people who cannot prepare meals and tend to themselves. The term is not intrinsic to tea or bread products only; rather, it describes limited dietary patterns that lead to reduced calories resulting in a deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients.
Severe symptoms include confusion, muscle twitching, and bleeding in or around the brain. [1] [2] Normal serum sodium levels are 135–145 mmol/L (135–145 mEq/L). [5] Hypernatremia is generally defined as a serum sodium level of more than 145 mmol/L. [3] Severe symptoms typically only occur when levels are above 160 mmol/L. [1]
Older adults are prone to dehydration for many reasons. Learn how to identify the symptoms of dehydration in older adults based on how they look and feel.
Hyponatremia, or blood sodium levels below 135 mEq/L, causes brain cells to swell; the symptoms can be subtle and may include altered personality, lethargy, and confusion. In severe cases, when blood sodium falls below 115 mEq/L, stupor, muscle twitching or spasms, seizures, coma, and death can result.
Hypoaldosteronism causes low sodium (hyponatremia), high potassium (hyperkalemia), and metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the body produces excess acid.These conditions are responsible for the symptoms of hypoaldosteronism, which include muscle weakness, nausea, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood pressure.