Salt poisoning

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Salt poisoning
Synonyms	Hypernatremia, sodium poisoning
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Nephrology, Toxicology
Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, coma
Complications	Cerebral edema, intracranial hemorrhage, death
Onset	Rapid
Duration	Variable, depending on treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	Excessive intake of sodium chloride
Risks	Dehydration, renal failure, heart failure
Diagnosis	Blood test showing elevated serum sodium levels
Differential diagnosis	Diabetes insipidus, dehydration, hyperaldosteronism
Prevention	Avoiding excessive salt intake, maintaining adequate hydration
Treatment	Intravenous fluids, dialysis in severe cases
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with prompt treatment, poor if untreated
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Image depicting excessive salt intake, a cause of salt poisoning.

Salt Poisoning

Salt poisoning, also known as sodium intoxication, occurs due to the excessive intake of sodium, typically in the form of sodium chloride (table salt). This condition can arise from consuming too much salt in solid form or solution, such as saline water, brine, brackish water, or seawater.

Introduction

While the body requires a certain amount of sodium to function properly, excessive intake can lead to serious health complications. Salt poisoning is relatively rare but can be severe or even lethal in extreme cases. The median lethal dose of table salt is approximately 3 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Causes of Salt Poisoning

Common causes of salt poisoning include:

• Drinking seawater or highly concentrated solutions like soy sauce.
• Dietary overconsumption of salt, particularly in individuals with certain health or mental conditions.
• Accidental or intentional ingestion of large quantities of salt.

Symptoms

Symptoms of salt poisoning may include:

• Extreme thirst
• Swelling and inflammation
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Confusion or neurological symptoms in severe cases

Risk Groups

Individuals particularly at risk of salt poisoning include:

• Adults with mental health issues who may ingest excessive salt.
• People stranded in oceanic environments who might drink seawater.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that disrupt normal sodium balance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of salt poisoning involves:

• Reviewing the patient's medical history and dietary habits.
• Conducting blood tests to measure sodium levels and assess kidney function.

Treatment

Treatment for salt poisoning includes:

• Immediate reduction of sodium intake.
• Medical intervention to restore electrolyte balance, often involving the gradual intake of water or intravenous (IV) fluids.
• Monitoring and managing potential complications, such as kidney damage or neurological effects.

Prevention

Prevention strategies involve:

• Educating individuals about the risks of excessive salt consumption.
• Monitoring and controlling dietary salt intake, especially in at-risk individuals.
• Providing access to fresh drinking water in environments where only saline water is naturally available.

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