Endocrinology >>>> Hypernatremia - what is it?
Hypernatremia - what is it?
A high concentration of sodium ions in blood plasma is called hypernatremia. Most often, hypernatremia is a consequence of dehydration of the body, but there are often cases of hypernatremia due to excessive intake of sodium into the body (for example, with intravenous administration of sodium preparations, intake of sodium in excess with food, in a state of hyperaldosteronism). It happens that the cause of hypernatremia is intracellular dehydration - the release of sodium ions with water from cells into the extracellular space to maintain osmotic balance. This process is possible even if sodium intake does not exceed the norm.
Dehydration of the body can occur against the background of insufficient intake of water into the body, as a result of excessive sweating, with diabetes insipidus, with hypovolemia (decrease in circulating blood volume with blood loss, taking loop diuretics and other diuretics, high-grade burns, etc.).
Other causes of hypernatremia:
- Vomiting, diarrhea,
- Kidney disease,
- Tumors of the adrenal glands and other lesions of the adrenal glands,
- Brain damage (idiopathic hypernatremia).
Signs of hypernatremia:
- Thirst,
- Drowsiness,
- Weakness,
- Convulsions.
Hypernatremia is a dangerous condition that can result in cerebral edema, coma and death.
Treatment for hypernatremia is to replace water losses to lower the sodium ion concentration. Methods for replenishing the body's lack of water volume differ depending on the patient's state of health. If it is impossible to consume water orally due to indomitable vomiting or unconsciousness of the patient, he is prescribed intravenous infusions or infusions through a tube with constant monitoring of blood plasma parameters to avoid excessive hydration and complications in the form of cerebral edema. For hypovolemic hypernatremia, 0.5% dextrose solution or a combination of dextrose solution and saline is prescribed.
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