What Are The Effects Of Low Sodium Levels?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : wHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A LOW sodium COUNT ?

Answered by Dr. Jyothi B L (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Risk of disorientation or coma present.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Low sodium count is values below 135 mEq/L
2. Low sodium increases the risk of cellular swelling in the body, which can result in fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, disorientation, hallucination, loss of consciousness and even coma. Requires correction at earliest.
3. Along with High BUN/creatinine levels, possibility of renal failure requires evaluation.

If you have been having any symptoms out of the ordinary, this needs to be evaluated. If you haven't then you will need repeated testing. It may be that your baseline sodium levels run on the lower side.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Jyothi BL

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj