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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following measures may help you prevent hyponatremia:
- Treat associated conditions. Getting treatment for conditions that contribute to hyponatremia, such as adrenal insufficiency, can help prevent low blood sodium.
- Educate yourself. If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of hyponatremia or you take diuretic medications, be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sodium. Always talk with your doctor about the risks of a new medication.
- Take precautions during high-intensity activities. Athletes should drink only as much fluid as they lose due to sweating during a race — usually no more than about 34 ounces (about 1 liter) of water an hour during extended exercise.
- Consider drinking sports beverages during demanding activities. Ask your doctor about replacing water with sports beverages that contain electrolytes when participating in endurance events such as marathons, triathlons and other demanding activities.
- Drink water in moderation. Drinking water is vital for your health, so make sure you have a sufficient daily intake of fluids. But don't overdo it.
References
- Rose BD. Diagnosis of hyponatremia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Gibbs MA, et al. Electrolyte disturbances. In: Marx JA, et al., eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/139569939-5/845288330/1365/382.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50128-1_6348. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Rose BD. Causes of hyponatremia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Rose BD. Treatment of hyponatremia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Weinberg MS, et al. Disorders of sodium homeostasis. In: Ferri FF. Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/139569939-3/0/1417/921.html?tocnode=52510185&fromURL=921.html. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Drezner JA, et al. Environmental influences. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/139569939-6/845288600/1481/481.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50043-9--cesec21_2481. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Ferrante MA, et al. Endogenous metabolic disorders. In: Goetz GD. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/139569939-7/845289096/1488/324.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10038-4_2905. Accessed May 26, 2009.
- Campbell GA. The agony of ecstasy: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and the kidney. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2008;3:1852.
