Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant cation (positive charged ion) electrolyte in your body’s extra cellular fluid. Its main function is to maintain water balance. Having too much or too little sodium constitutes an electrolyte imbalance that can mostly effect your neurological system.
How sodium works in your body
Sodium regulates your body’s water balance. It is absorbed in your kidneys with the aid of a hormone called aldosterone. When your body is losing fluids, aldosterone is secreted to absorb sodium and help restore the body to its natural electrolyte balance. If your body is retaining too much fluid, aldosterone secretion will stop so that your body can stop retaining the excess fluids and sodium and excrete it. This regulation system is essential for maintaining normal blood volume/blood pressure in your body.
What happens when there is too much sodium?
Excess sodium (serum level above 145 mEq/dL) leads to a condition called hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can be caused by a number of factors: excessive salt intake, dehydration, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and certain medications like antihypertensives or steroids. Signs and symptoms associated with hypernatremia include excessive thirst, confusion, decreased urine output, low grade fever, and muscle twitching or even seizures. In fact, these symptoms are almost identical to those for dehydration.
What happens when there is too little sodium?
A serum sodium level under 135 mEq/dL leads to a condition called hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can be hypovolemic (excessive body fluid loss) or hypervolemic (excessive fluid gain). In some cases, hyponatremia can be isovolemic (equal loss of fluids and sodium). Conditions that can cause hyponatremia include excessive blood loss, water intoxication, excessive perspiration, burns, and impaired kidney function. People with hyponatremia often show signs of headaches, nausea, lethargy, confusion, and muscle weakness. If hyponatremia is caused by hypovolemia, additional symptoms would include hypotension, dry mucous membranes, and weak pulses. If hyponatremia is caused by hypervolemia, additional symptoms would include edema, weight gain, and bounding pulses.
How do you treat sodium electrolyte imbalances?
A blood test will determine if your serum sodium level is too high or too low. Depending on which imbalance you have, treatment for sodium electrolyte imbalances may include sodium/salt regulation in the diet, fluid replacement (water or blood), and for more severe cases, IV treatment. As always, see your primary care physician if you experiencing any of the conditions and symptoms above.
Sources:
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Kozier, Barabra; Glenora, Erb; Berman, Audrey; Snyder, Shirlee J, Kozier and Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing, Chapter 52 ‘Fluid,electrolyte, and acid-balance’ (2008) Prentice Hall New Jersey
