What is considered a dangerous low sodium level?

What is considered a dangerous low sodium level?

Severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 mEq/L. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder that doctors encounter. Research suggests that approximately 1.7 percent of people in the United States have the condition.

Can low sodium be dangerous?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Is 109 sodium level dangerous?

The normal sodium level is between 135-145 mEq/l, and levels below 110 mEq/l constitute a true emergency.

Is Low sodium an emergency?

Severe hyponatremia is an emergency. To treat it, doctors slowly increase the level of sodium in the blood with intravenous fluids and sometimes with a diuretic. Newer drugs, called vaptans, are sometimes needed. Increasing the sodium level too rapidly can result in severe and often permanent brain damage.

What are the dangers of low sodium levels?

Here’s a look at some of the dangers that are associated with low sodium levels. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, hyponatremia is most dangerous when the sodium level in the blood drops significantly in less than 48 hours (called acute hyponatremia).

What is the normal level of sodium in the blood?

Normal sodium levels in the blood range between 135 and 145 millimoles per liter (mmol per L). If your sodium levels drop below 135 mmol per L, it’s called hyponatremia. In severe cases, low sodium levels can cause neurological symptoms, brain damage and even death if left untreated.

What should your sodium level be if you have a headache?

A headache is a common symptom of low sodium levels and may indicate a more serious condition. Normal sodium levels in the blood range between 135 and 145 millimoles per liter (mmol per L).

When to go to the ER for low sodium?

You may experience low sodium symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these low sodium symptoms can be severe: In some cases, low sodium can be life threatening. Seek immediate me dical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including: