Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are common, dangerous electrolyte disorders in kidney disease. Learn how kidney failure disrupts sodium balance, why diet restrictions can backfire, and how to avoid life-threatening mistakes in treatment.
Sodium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Need to Know
When your body’s sodium imbalance, a disruption in the normal levels of sodium in your blood that can lead to serious health problems. Also known as electrolyte disorder, it happens when sodium levels drift too low or too high—often without obvious warning signs. Sodium isn’t just table salt. It’s a critical mineral that controls fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function. Even small shifts can throw off your whole system.
There are two main types: hyponatremia, when sodium drops below 135 mmol/L, often from drinking too much water, heart failure, or certain medications, and hypernatremia, when sodium rises above 145 mmol/L, usually from dehydration, kidney issues, or not drinking enough. Both can show up as confusion, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps—but sometimes, they don’t cause symptoms until it’s too late. Older adults, athletes, and people on diuretics or antidepressants are at higher risk. And while you might think drinking more water fixes everything, that’s exactly what makes hyponatremia worse in some cases.
It’s not just about salt intake. Many medications, chronic illnesses like kidney disease or heart failure, and even extreme sweating during endurance sports can mess with your sodium levels. And here’s the catch: your body doesn’t always tell you it’s out of balance. That’s why lab tests are often the only way to catch it early. If you’ve been feeling off, dizzy, or unusually tired—and you’re on meds or have a health condition—ask your doctor about checking your sodium. It’s a simple blood test, but it can prevent hospital visits.
The posts below cover real-world situations where sodium imbalance plays a role—from how infant meds can affect fluid balance, to why dehydration from norovirus needs careful handling, to how hormone therapy and chronic diseases can shift electrolyte levels. You’ll find practical advice on recognizing the signs, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding what your doctor might be looking for. No fluff. Just what matters when your body’s sodium is out of whack.