Low Sodium Levels in the Body

The human body contains a vast array of elements, and maintaining each within its normal range is essential to prevent significant imbalances. Understanding the causes of low sodium levels may not be widely known. Low sodium levels signify that blood sodium content falls outside the normal range, indicating a deficiency state. Untimely adjustment can lead to lethargy, mental confusion, and other symptoms, necessitating prompt and effective treatment and care to avert harm.

1. General Knowledge of Low Sodium Levels

Low blood sodium levels, known as hyponatremia, are typically defined as a blood sodium concentration below 135mmol/L. This condition can occur in individuals with long-term inadequate diets or those adhering to low-sodium diets. Additionally, significant sodium ion loss can be observed in patients using large doses of diuretics like furosemide, or those with renal insufficiency, renal tubular dysfunction, diabetic ketoacidosis, aldosteronism, vomiting, or diarrhea. During fever reduction, excessive sweating can also contribute to sodium ion depletion. Symptoms of low blood sodium levels include dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Replenishing sodium ions, either orally or through intravenous infusion of concentrated sodium chloride solutions (e.g., 3%-5% solutions), is crucial. If sodium loss is due to an underlying disease, treatment should address the cause.

2. Daily Care for Patients with Low Sodium Levels

2.1 Dietary Care

Patients with hyponatremia should aim to consume twice the normal sodium intake in their diet. Severe reductions in sodium concentration can cause numbness in extremities. However, the rate of sodium replenishment should be gradual to avoid absorption barriers. Potassium and magnesium supplementation may also be appropriate.

2.2 Appropriately Increasing Salt Intake

The condition of hyponatremia patients fluctuates with sodium concentration changes. During care, adding appropriate amounts of salt to the diet is recommended. This should be based on the doctor's diagnosis of the specific cause and not done arbitrarily. Medication use must strictly follow doctor's instructions, as excessive intake can pose life-threatening risks.

2.3 Enhancing Nutrition

Hyponatremia patients may experience pronounced anemia symptoms in daily life. For older individuals with weaker cardiac tolerance, chronic heart failure may develop. Addressing malnutrition and hypoproteinemia by incorporating nutritional foods into their diets, without excess, is vital.