Spanish doctors are drawing attention to the issue of hyponatremia—a condition in which the concentration of sodium in the blood drops below normal levels. This condition often goes unnoticed, yet it can lead to serious health consequences, especially among the elderly. According to Dr. José Manuel Ramos Rincon, a specialist at the Internal Medicine Service of Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis de Alicante and a member of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, a decrease in sodium levels is a fairly common phenomenon that requires understanding of its causes, symptoms, and risks.
A variety of factors can contribute to the development of hyponatremia. Among the most common causes, experts point to excessive water intake, the use of certain medications—particularly diuretics or antidepressants—as well as chronic illnesses such as heart, liver, or kidney failure. Hormonal disorders, such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, can also trigger this imbalance.
The clinical manifestations of hyponatremia depend on the degree of sodium reduction. In the early stages, a person may experience general fatigue, confusion, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, the condition can progress to disorientation, seizures, and even coma. Medical professionals emphasize that any sudden neurological disturbance in an elderly person should prompt a check of blood sodium levels.
The severity of the condition is classified according to blood sodium concentration. The normal range is considered to be from 135 to 145 mEq/L. Mild hyponatremia is diagnosed at levels from 130 to 134 mEq/L, moderate — from 125 to 129 mEq/L. A level below 125 mEq/L indicates a severe form, and a drop below 120 mEq/L is considered critical and poses a direct threat to life due to the high risk of serious neurological complications.
This disorder is quite common, not only in hospitals—where it affects up to 20% of inpatients—but increasingly among outpatients, primarily among the elderly and athletes who consume excessive amounts of water. The immediate danger of low sodium levels lies in the risk of brain swelling. In the long term, the condition can lead to persistent cognitive decline or neuromuscular disturbances.
The approach to treatment depends on the cause and severity of hyponatremia. Therapy may include fluid restriction, intravenous administration of saline solutions, or the use of specialized medications that block the effect of antidiuretic hormone. It is important that sodium level correction be carried out under strict medical supervision to avoid complications. As a preventive measure, maintaining a balanced fluid intake and regularly monitoring sodium levels is recommended, especially for patients taking medications that may cause its decrease.
