Hypernatremia: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Hypernatremia
| image          = [[File:Na-TableImage.svg|150px]]
| caption        = Sodium, the primary electrolyte involved in hypernatremia
| field          = [[Nephrology]]
| synonyms        = [[Hypernatraemia]]
| symptoms        = [[Thirst]], [[confusion]], [[muscle twitching]], [[seizures]], [[coma]]
| complications  = [[Cerebral edema]], [[intracranial hemorrhage]]
| onset          = Sudden or gradual
| duration        = Varies
| causes          = [[Dehydration]], [[diabetes insipidus]], [[excessive salt intake]], [[osmotic diuresis]]
| risks          = [[Elderly]], [[infants]], [[hospitalized patients]]
| diagnosis      = [[Blood test]] showing elevated [[serum sodium]]
| differential    = [[Hyponatremia]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[renal failure]]
| prevention      = Adequate [[hydration]], monitoring of [[sodium levels]]
| treatment      = [[Intravenous fluids]], [[oral rehydration]], [[dialysis]]
| prognosis      = Depends on underlying cause and promptness of treatment
| frequency      = Common in [[hospitalized patients]]
}}
'''Hypernatremia''' is a common electrolyte problem and is defined as a rise in serum sodium concentration to a value exceeding 145 mmol/L. It is strictly defined as a hyperosmolar condition caused by a decrease in total body water (TBW) relative to electrolyte content. Hypernatremia can be caused by various conditions and can lead to a wide range of symptoms from lethargy and irritability to seizures and coma.  
'''Hypernatremia''' is a common electrolyte problem and is defined as a rise in serum sodium concentration to a value exceeding 145 mmol/L. It is strictly defined as a hyperosmolar condition caused by a decrease in total body water (TBW) relative to electrolyte content. Hypernatremia can be caused by various conditions and can lead to a wide range of symptoms from lethargy and irritability to seizures and coma.  
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Hypernatremia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
Hypernatremia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
* [[Dehydration]]
* [[Dehydration]]
* [[Diabetes insipidus]]
* [[Diabetes insipidus]]
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* [[Hypertonic saline]]
* [[Hypertonic saline]]
* [[Medications]] such as diuretics, steroids, and some [[antibiotics]]
* [[Medications]] such as diuretics, steroids, and some [[antibiotics]]
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
Symptoms of hypernatremia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:
Symptoms of hypernatremia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:
* [[Thirst]]
* [[Thirst]]
* [[Dry mouth]]
* [[Dry mouth]]
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* [[Seizures]]
* [[Seizures]]
* [[Coma]]
* [[Coma]]
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of hypernatremia is typically made through a [[blood test]] that measures the level of sodium in the blood. Other tests may be done to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
Diagnosis of hypernatremia is typically made through a [[blood test]] that measures the level of sodium in the blood. Other tests may be done to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment of hypernatremia typically involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, as well as measures to lower the sodium level in the blood. This can include:
Treatment of hypernatremia typically involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, as well as measures to lower the sodium level in the blood. This can include:
* [[Intravenous fluids]]
* [[Intravenous fluids]]
* [[Medications]] to manage symptoms and treat underlying conditions
* [[Medications]] to manage symptoms and treat underlying conditions
* [[Dietary changes]] to reduce sodium intake
* [[Dietary changes]] to reduce sodium intake
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Hyponatremia]]
* [[Hyponatremia]]
* [[Electrolyte imbalance]]
* [[Electrolyte imbalance]]
* [[Water-electrolyte imbalance]]
* [[Water-electrolyte imbalance]]
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Electrolyte disorders]]
[[Category:Electrolyte disorders]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Na-TableImage.svg|Hypernatremia
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:31, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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Hypernatremia
Synonyms Hypernatraemia
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Thirst, confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma
Complications Cerebral edema, intracranial hemorrhage
Onset Sudden or gradual
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Dehydration, diabetes insipidus, excessive salt intake, osmotic diuresis
Risks Elderly, infants, hospitalized patients
Diagnosis Blood test showing elevated serum sodium
Differential diagnosis Hyponatremia, diabetes mellitus, renal failure
Prevention Adequate hydration, monitoring of sodium levels
Treatment Intravenous fluids, oral rehydration, dialysis
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on underlying cause and promptness of treatment
Frequency Common in hospitalized patients
Deaths N/A


Hypernatremia is a common electrolyte problem and is defined as a rise in serum sodium concentration to a value exceeding 145 mmol/L. It is strictly defined as a hyperosmolar condition caused by a decrease in total body water (TBW) relative to electrolyte content. Hypernatremia can be caused by various conditions and can lead to a wide range of symptoms from lethargy and irritability to seizures and coma.

Causes[edit]

Hypernatremia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of hypernatremia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They can include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of hypernatremia is typically made through a blood test that measures the level of sodium in the blood. Other tests may be done to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of hypernatremia typically involves treating the underlying cause of the condition, as well as measures to lower the sodium level in the blood. This can include:

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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