Hypernatremia
From Kidney Cancer Resource
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Overview
See also Sodium
See also Hyponatremia
Too Much Sodium
In Hypernatremia, the level of sodium in the blood is too high. The body contains too little water relative to the amount of sodium. The sodium level in the blood becomes abnormally high when water loss exceeds sodium loss, as occurs with dehydration. In most people, hypernatremia results from dehydration (see Water Balance: Dehydration).
Hypernatremia occurs in people who drink too little water and in those who have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating (particularly during hot weather), or abnormal kidney function.
For example: hypernatremia may occur in diabetes insipidus, in which the kidneys excrete too much water (see Pituitary Gland Disorders: Central Diabetes Insipidus). Other causes of hypernatremia include head trauma or neurosurgery involving the pituitary gland, disorders of other electrolytes (a high calcium level or low potassium level), sickle cell disease, and use of drugs (such as lithiumSome Trade Names LITHANE LITHONATE , demeclocyclineSome Trade Names DECLOMYCIN , or diuretics).
Hypernatremia is most common among older people, who tend to sense thirst more gradually and less intensely than younger people do. Older people who are bedridden or demented may be unable to obtain water even if they feel thirsty. In addition, the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine declines in advanced age, so older people are less able to conserve water. Older people who take diuretics, which force the kidneys to excrete more water, are at particular risk of hypernatremia—especially when the weather is hot or they become ill and do not drink enough water.
The most important symptoms of hypernatremia result from brain dysfunction. Severe hypernatremia can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and death. The diagnosis is made by determining that the sodium level in the blood is high.
Hypernatremia is treated by replacing water. In all but the mildest cases, dilute fluids (containing water and a small amount of sodium in carefully adjusted concentrations) are given intravenously. The sodium level in the blood is reduced very slowly, because correcting the condition too rapidly can cause permanent brain damage.
How can I reduce the sodium in my diet?
Choose fresh, frozen or canned food items without added salts. Select unsalted nuts or seeds, dried beans, peas and lentils. Limit the amount of salty snacks you eat, like chips and pretzels. Avoid adding salt and canned vegetables to homemade dishes. Select unsalted, fat-free broths, bouillons or soups. Select fat-free or low-fat milk, low-sodium, low-fat cheeses, as well as low-fat yogurt. Specify what you want and how you want it prepared when dining out. Ask for your dish to be prepared without salt.
Use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food.
References
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