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When a person gets his Kidney Function Test (KFT) report during a health checkup or a routine blood test, he often gets confused by the various medical terms and values given in it. One of these very important and sensitive parameters is ‘Sodium Level’. If your KFT or electrolyte panel report shows a blood sodium level higher than 145 mEq/L, it is a sign that the amount of sodium in your body has gone well above the normal range. In the language of medical science, this serious condition is called ‘Hypernatremia’. This condition, caused due to lack of water and electrolyte imbalance in the body, if not controlled in time, can have a deep impact on the brain, kidneys and nervous system. In many cases, excessively increased sodium level even becomes a fatal threat, hence it is very important to recognize its early symptoms and consult a doctor in time.
What is the function of sodium in the body and why does the level above 145 mEq/L become dangerous?
Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte for the proper functioning of the human body. It not only maintains the balance of fluids within the body, but also plays a key role in the exchange of nerve signals and muscle contraction. The normal level of sodium in the blood of a healthy adult is usually considered to be between 135 to 145 mEq/L. When this level crosses the figure of 145 mEq/L, water starts pulling out from the cells and tissues of the body, causing the cells to shrink. It especially has the worst effect on brain cells. When brain cells shrink due to dehydration, neurological functioning is disrupted, which can be extremely physically painful and fatal for the patient.
Main causes of hypernatremia: lack of water in the body and serious eating disorders
There can be many medical and lifestyle-related reasons behind increased sodium levels in the blood i.e. hypernatremia. The main reason for this is severe dehydration in the body. When a person does not consume adequate amounts of water or fluids for a long time, the water content in the blood decreases and the sodium concentration automatically increases. Apart from this, this problem can also arise due to severe diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or taking certain types of medicines (such as diuretics or steroids). Diseases like Diabetes Insipidus, in which the kidneys are unable to retain water from the body and the water is lost through excessive urination, also promote this dangerous condition. Consuming excessive amounts of salty or processed foods and not drinking water is also a major reason for this.
Do not ignore the initial symptoms: Its signs range from excessive thirst to mental confusion.
When the sodium level in the body starts going above 145 mEq/L, the body starts giving many warning signals. It is very important to recognize these symptoms in time. The first and main symptom is unusually extreme thirst, due to which the mouth and throat remain dry continuously. Apart from this, it is common to have constant headache, feeling of extreme weakness, dizziness, and muscle strain or cramps. If sodium levels increase too much, the condition can become serious, leaving the patient extremely lethargic, confused, restless, and even at risk of coma or seizures. These symptoms can become more severe more quickly in the elderly and young children, because their ability to sense thirst is reduced.
Prevention and treatment measures: How to get control with timely doctor’s advice and hydration
If the sodium level in your KFT report is more than 145 mEq/L, then it should not be ignored at all and you should immediately contact a good Nephrologist or General Physician. Doctors find out the cause based on the patient’s physical condition, age and symptoms. The main way to deal with this condition is to gradually normalize the balance of water and electrolytes in the body. Suddenly drinking too much water or taking medicine on your own without doctor’s advice can be dangerous, because reducing sodium too quickly can cause brain swelling (Brain Edema). Control the amount of salt in your daily diet, consume adequate amount of water, coconut water, juices and electrolyte drinks. Keep getting your health checked regularly so that any major problems related to kidneys and electrolytes can be prevented in time.