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Hyponatremia or hyponatraemia is a low concentration of sodium in the blood. [4] It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L (135 mEq/L), with severe hyponatremia being below 120 mEq/L. [3] [8] Symptoms can be absent, mild or severe.
Patients with extra-renal salt losses complicated by hyponatremia were found to be common-place, and consistent with McCance's description, they excreted urine virtually free of sodium. [22] In 1950, Sims et al, published their work that suggest observed relation between hyponatremia and pulmonary tuberculosis.
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.
These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of the body fluids constant. Hyponatremia, or low sodium, is the most commonly seen type of electrolyte imbalance. [12] [13] Treatment of electrolyte imbalance depends on the specific electrolyte involved and whether the levels are too high or too low. [3]
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.
Hyponatremia is seen in many cases of Sheehan's syndrome because it can result from multiple etiologies. Drops in thyroid hormones and glucocorticoid/adrenal hormones can indirectly lead to hyponatremia through water retention, while blood loss can trigger hyponatremia through ADH secretion. [8]
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 ...
Tobacco smoking is an often overlooked factor linked to hyponatremia, due to the ADH-releasing effect of nicotine, although this is usually limited to heavy smokers. [21] One study suggested that around 70% of patients with self-induced polydipsia were tobacco smokers. [22]