Causes of hyponatremia in elderly

• Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they’re more likely to take medications or have medical conditions that put them at risk of the disorder. These risk factors include: Decreased function of the kidneys, liver or heart Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration

In one observational study, more than half of the patients with hyponatremia had more than one cause for the condition. The single most common cause of hyponatremia was SIADH. Thiazide diuretic use was a common contributing factor. Heart failure is also a common comorbid condition in this age group.Author:
Tomas BerlCited by:
Publish Year:
2013

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).

How can I increase sodium levels in elderly at home?

Those who have mild to moderate hyponatremia resulting from lifestyle factors or medication may be able to increase sodium to normal levels by: drinking less fluids (often less than 1 quart per day) adjusting medication dose or switching medications.

How do you raise your sodium level?

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

What causes sodium levels to drop?

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

Will eating more salt help hyponatremia?

In elderly patients with a diet poor in protein and sodium , hyponatremia may be worsened by their low solute intake. The kidney’s need to excrete solutes aids in water excretion. An increase in dietary protein and salt can help improve water excretion.

Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?

Who is most at risk for hyponatremia? Anyone can develop hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more likely in people living with certain diseases, like kidney failure, congestive heart failure , and diseases affecting the lungs, liver or brain . It often occurs with pain after surgery.

How do you treat low sodium in elderly?

Hyponatremia treatments may include changing a medication that affects your sodium level, treating the underlying disease, changing the amount of water you drink or changing the amount of salt in your diet.

How long is hospital stay for low sodium?

Patients with hyponatremia had a hospital stay of 7.6 days compared with 5.6 days for those with normonatremia, a significant difference between the groups. Hyponatremia at the time of hospital admission is associated with an increased risk of death and longer in-patient stays, according to a new study.

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.

How do you fix low sodium?

Treatment Intravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood. Medications. You may take medications to manage the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea and seizures.

How much water should I drink for hyponatremia?

The authors of the study report that hyponatremia symptoms can develop if a person drinks 3–4 liters of water in a short period, though they do not give a specific time estimate. According to one case report, soldiers developed symptoms after consuming at least 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of water per hour. 6 дней назад

Does coffee affect sodium levels?

Chronic caffeine intake increases urinary sodium excretion without affecting plasma sodium concentration .

What is a critical sodium level?

In many hospital laboratories 160 mEq/L is chosen as the upper critical value. The evidence of this study suggests that sodium in the range of 155-160 mEq/L is associated with high risk of death and that 155 mEq/L rather than 160 mEq/L might be more suitable as the upper critical level .

How do I test my sodium levels?

How is the sodium blood test done? This test is performed on a blood sample, obtained by venipuncture. A technician will insert a small needle into a vein on your arm or hand. This will be used to fill a test tube with blood.

Can dehydration cause low sodium?

Chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea and other causes of dehydration . This causes your body to lose electrolytes, such as sodium , and also increases ADH levels. Drinking too much water. Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause low sodium by overwhelming the kidneys’ ability to excrete water.