In hypernatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too high. Hypernatremia involves dehydration, which can have many causes, including not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and diuretics. Mainly,
people are thirsty, and if hypernatremia worsens, they may become confused or have muscle twitches and seizures. Blood tests are done to measure the sodium level. Usually, fluids are given intravenously to slowly reduce the sodium level in the blood.
Drinking too little
Vomiting
Having diarrhea
Using diuretics (drugs that increase urination)
Sweating excessively
Insufficient water intake usually plays an important role.
Hypernatremia typically causes thirst. The most serious symptoms of hypernatremia result from brain dysfunction. Severe hypernatremia can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and death.
Measurement of sodium level in the blood
The diagnosis is based on blood tests indicating that the sodium level is high.
Fluid replacement
Hypernatremia is treated by replacing fluids. 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 blood is reduced slowly because reducing the level too rapidly can cause permanent brain damage.
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