Hyponatremia--Low Sodium Levels Advice/Experiences?

In My Humble Opinion
1

My last bloodwork (CMP) showed a sodium level of 128. A repeat test a week later was 129. I don’t have any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, etc.

Looking at past results over the last four years, it has ranged from 121-135. The normal range is listed as 133-146.

My PCP wants me to see a kidney specialist. I’m leery of seeing yet another specialist, due to costs and other reasons, such as even more (possibly unnecessary) tests.

Any experiences or advice from others would be appreciated.

2

I don’t know, but if searching look for chronic hyponatremia, otherwise your search results will be dominated by irrelevant results for acute hyponatremia.

3

Yes, it’s not acute, more like chronic. However, I don’t have any of the likely causes such as certain drugs like diuretics, antidepressants, pain medications, or Ecstasy. I don’t run marathons or the like. As for age, mid 50’s.

4

Have you read through squeegee’s last year hyponatremia thread in IMHO? It was titled “Sodium deficiency?” A lot of info in there…

5

Thanks for pointing me to that thread.

I feel like the OP of that thread. I’m worried that all kinds of additional tests/procedures might be largely unnecessary at the end of the day.

6

Yeah, I absolutely understand the concern. It’s what I’d be worried about too.

7

As unusual as it is, especially in America, have you considered that you might simply not eat enough salt?

8

I had a low level two years running and my MD suggested just increasing salt intake. It was actually harder for me than it sounds. I don’t eat salty snacks and I don’t add salt to anything after it’s cooked except pizza. I ended up just eating an occasional pinch of salt while drinking water. No problems since then.

9

Yeah, I was about to chime in with my acute-hyponatremia experiences (I’ve had 2) but the OP is asking about something quite else.

10

My last chem panel showed a sodium that was low normal. I pointed out to my doctor that I drank a ton of water in order to manage my gout without giving up beer, mussels, beef, anchovies, etc. He suggested I lightly salt my food. I asked no further questions.

11

This has a lot of possible causes, so seeing a doctor is the best way to get it sorted out. Many causes are not very serious, and others are. It is not particularly uncommon, and may or may not be significant. Your doctor should check your urine and review your medications, several of which cause this - especially certain medications for blood pressure.