What Causes Low Sodium in Elderly People? Medications such as diuretics, some types of antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Decreased liver, heart, or kidney function. Illnesses that can cause dehydration such as pneumonia.

Can an elderly person recover from low sodium?

Although there is no concrete evidence that the restoration of hyponatremia is associated with improved outcome, it is prudent to correct low sodium concentration even in “asymptomatic elderly individuals” because it is related to increased mortality and morbidity (eg, gait disturbances, falls, cognition impairment).

What are symptoms of low sodium in elderly?

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue.
• Restlessness and irritability.
• Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps.
• Seizures.
• Coma.

Can a person recover from low sodium levels?

Hyponatremia can result from multiple diseases that often are affecting the lungs, liver or brain, heart problems like congestive heart failure, or medications. Most people recover fully with their doctor’s help.

What causes a person’s sodium level to drop?

A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics.

Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water goes into your cells and makes them swell. This swelling can be dangerous especially in the brain, since the brain cannot expand past the skull.

How do elderly maintain sodium levels?

How to Increase Sodium Levels in Elderly People

1. Adjust or change medications.
2. Cut back on water and fluid consumption.
3. Seek treatment for underlying conditions or diseases.
4. Eat foods that are high in sodium.
5. Increase dietary protein to aid in water excretion.
6. Infusing an intravenous sodium solution.

How long does it take to recover from sodium deficiency?

Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. It can take weeks or months for you to experience the effects of low salt in your diet—and these effects can be corrected by just one day of normal salt intake.

What problems does low sodium cause?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

How do you fix low sodium?

Treatment for low blood sodium

1. cutting back on fluid intake.
2. adjusting the dosage of diuretics.
3. taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.
4. treating underlying conditions.
5. infusing an intravenous (IV) sodium solution.

What is the fastest way to correct sodium?

In patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia, the rate of sodium correction should be 6 to 12 mEq per L in the first 24 hours and 18 mEq per L or less in 48 hours. A bolus of 100 to 150 mL of hypertonic 3% saline can be given to correct severe hyponatremia.

How can I raise my sodium level quickly?

Intravenous (IV) fluids with a high-concentration of sodium, and/or diuretics to raise your blood sodium levels. Loop Diuretics – also known as “water pills” as they work to raise blood sodium levels, by making you urinate out extra fluid.

What is the most common cause of hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is decrease in serum sodium concentration < 136 mEq/L (< 136 mmol/L) caused by an excess of water relative to solute. Common causes include diuretic use, diarrhea, heart failure, liver disease, renal disease, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

What should I eat if my sodium is low?

Protein Foods

• Fresh or frozen fish or shellfish.
• Chicken or turkey breast without skin or marinade.
• Lean cuts of beef or pork.
• Unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Dried beans and peas – like kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), split peas, and lentils.

What foods raise sodium levels?

High-Sodium Foods

• Smoked, cured, salted or canned meat, fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar and anchovies.
• Frozen breaded meats and dinners, such as burritos and pizza.
• Canned entrees, such as ravioli, spam and chili.
• Salted nuts.
• Beans canned with salt added.

Can low sodium cause high blood pressure?

Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and many other health conditions. On the other hand, if sodium levels drop too low, the hormone aldosterone is released, and this increases the amount of sodium held in the body by reducing the amount lost in urine.