Hypernatremia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia is an imbalance of sodium and water in your body. The amount of sodium (salt) in your blood is higher than normal. Sodium is an electrolyte (mineral) that helps your muscles, heart, and digestive system work properly. It helps control blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypernatremia can become life-threatening if left untreated.
What increases the risk for hypernatremia?
Your sodium level may increase if you get too much sodium through food, antacids that have sodium, or tube feeding. Hypernatremia may also occur when too much water leaves your body and you become dehydrated. Dehydration can be caused by not drinking enough water or by losing body fluid through sweat or urine. Infants and elderly people are at increased risk of hypernatremia. The following may also increase your risk of hypernatremia:
- For infants, low intake of breast milk or intake of formula that was not mixed properly
- Decreased sense of thirst
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting
- Fever
- Certain types of diuretics
- Diabetes that is not well controlled
- Conditions such as diabetes insipidus, kidney failure, and Cushing syndrome
- Severe burns
What are the signs and symptoms of hypernatremia?
- High-pitched cry, muscle weakness, or unusual irritability or drowsiness in infants
- Headache, confusion, or irritability
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness or twitching
- Breathing faster than normal
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense thirst
- Dry eyes or mouth
How is hypernatremia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you about the medicines you take and your symptoms. Tell your provider how much liquid you drink and if you have been urinating more often recently. Your provider will do a physical exam to look for signs of dehydration. You may need also need any of the following:
- Blood and urine tests will be done to check the level of sodium in your blood and urine. Blood tests may also be done to find the cause of your hypernatremia.
- A neurologic exam tells healthcare providers if hypernatremia is affecting your brain. Healthcare providers will check how your pupils react to light. They may check your memory, balance, and hand grasp.
How is hypernatremia treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your hypernatremia and how severe it is. You will receive liquids to help balance your level of water and sodium. You will also receive treatment for any conditions that caused your hypernatremia.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have a seizure.
- You cannot be woken.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You are breathing faster than normal.
When should I call my doctor?
- Your baby has a high-pitched cry, muscle weakness, or unusual irritability or drowsiness.
- You have dry eyes or mouth.
- You have nausea and are vomiting.
- You have muscle weakness or twitching.
- You have a headache, confusion, irritability, or any other changes in behavior.
- You are extremely drowsy.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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