Salt Imbalance
Alternate Names : Sodium Imbalance, Electrolyte Imbalance, Hyponatremia, Hypernatremia
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment for sodium imbalance will depend on the
underlying cause.
If the sodium imbalance is caused by the flu along with
vomiting
and diarrhea,
fluids need to be replaced in the body.
The person may need medicine to help decrease the
vomiting.
Fluids given into the veins can help replace sodium, or in other
cases, can help lower sodium levels in the blood.
Sodium imbalance due to kidney disease or
diabetes
can be treated with medicines.
Low sodium
diets may help prevent high levels of sodium in the blood.
Diuretics, also known as water pills, may be given to decrease
high sodium levels in the blood.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the treatments used, but may include
allergic reactions
to the medicine and stomach upset.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Hyponatremia that is the result of vomiting and diarrhea
caused by the flu may be treated and need no further treatment. On
the other hand, a person who has diabetes
will need lifelong treatment once the condition is under control. A person
with kidney disease
may need follow-up treatment and close monitoring of blood levels of
sodium and many other electrolytes.
How is the condition monitored?
Carefully monitoring of blood levels can help keep a
balance between too little and too much sodium in the blood. If the
salt imbalance is due to a short-term condition, such as vomiting, no
further monitoring may be necessary. If a person is on diuretics or has
other long-term conditions, periodic blood
tests are needed to check the blood levels of various electrolytes. Any
new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
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