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Hypernatremia—Adult

Definition

Hypernatremia is when there is too much sodium in the body.

Causes

Hypernatremia happens when there is an imbalance in the amount of water and sodium in the body—too little water for the amount of sodium.

The main cause of hypernatremia is having more water leave your body than enter it. This causes dehydration . A person can become dehydrated in different ways, such as:

Drinking too little fluids
Excessive sweating

Risk Factors

Hypernatremia is more common in older adults. Other factors that may increase your chance of hypernatremia include:

Fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Using certain diuretics —medications that increase urination
Severe burns
Losing too much fluid by sweating
Having certain medical conditions such as central diabetes insipidus or kidney disorder

Symptoms

Hypernatremia may cause:

Being thirsty
Dry mouth
Muscle weakness or muscle cramps
Decreased urination
Weight loss
Lightheadedness
Irritability
Confusion
Muscle twitching

Untreated hypernatremia can be fatal.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a symptom of hypernatremia.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked about your fluid intake and urine output. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

Blood tests
Urine tests

Treatment

Fluid Replacement

Liquids can be given by mouth or IV to balance the fluids in your body. The fluid will contain a specific concentration of water, sugar, and sodium. Reintroducing fluids slowly into your body will lower the sodium to a normal level. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

You may also be given medication to treat nausea.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting hypernatremia:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of the fluids
Work with your doctor to manage any health conditions

RESOURCES

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References

Central diabetes insipidus. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115774/Central-diabetes-insipidus . Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Dehydration and hypovolemia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T910373/Hypernatremia-approach-to-the-patient . Updated October 5, 2015. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Hypernatremia - approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T910373/Hypernatremia-approach-to-the-patient . Updated August 19, 2016. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Hypernatremia. Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine%5Fand%5Fmetabolic%5Fdisorders/electrolyte%5Fdisorders/hypernatremia.html. Updated April 2016. Accessed January 4, 2018.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116727/Nephrogenic-diabetes-insipidus . Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2017.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Review Date: 11/2018
Update Date: 12/20/2014

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.