Suggest Remedies For Low Serum Sodium In Blood

Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016

Question: My father(80years) recently fell and broke his hip. After repair he was still feeling weak. Blood tests revealed he had a low serum sodium. How should he be further evaluated?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Low sodium

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear about your father's recent medical problems. After a fractured hip he has developed weakness from low sodium. The low sodium could be due to medications like hydrochlorothiazide or other diuretics. The cause the kidneys to remove extra sodium. The other is if he has been getting IV fluids the doctors may have over hydrated him. The last reason is something called Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion. This happens at times of stress. It is when the brain misinterprets signals and producing too much antidiuretic hormone. The treatment for SIADH is fluid restriction. He will be only able to drink 1 liter of fluid daily. This will reverse the action of the SIADH and improve his sodium. Over time he will be able to increase his fluids and not worry about the sodium levels.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar