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Hyponatremia

Alternative Names: Dilutional hyponatremia; Euvolemic hyponatremia; Hypervolemic hyponatremia; Hypovolemic hyponatremia Treatment: The cause of hyponatremia must be treated, especially in the case of a  malignancy where radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical removal of the tumor may correct the sodium imbalance. Other treatments vary, depending on the type of hyponatremia. Text Continues Below Treatments to correct hyponatremia may include: Intravenous (IV) fluids Supplemental oxygen, through a mask or a ventilator Water and salt restriction Medication to combat symptoms such as seizures Expectations (prognosis): The outcome is related to the underlying disease or condition. In general, acute hyponatremia, one that occurs in less than 48 hours, is more dangerous. When sodium levels fall gradually over a period of days or weeks (chronic hyponatremia), the brain cells have time to compensate and swelling is minimal. Complications: Possible coma Brain herniation Death Calling your health care provider: Hyponatremia can be a life-threatening emergency! Call your health care provider if symptoms of hyponatremia occur. References: Craig S. Hyponatremia. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic275.htm. Accessed 10/27/2005. Braunwald E, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, et al., eds. Hyponatremia. In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2001:274-76.

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