Causes Of Hyponatremia

Certain conditions may cause a lack of sodium in the blood. Specific causes of hyponatremia include:

• Certain medications

  Some of the medicines that are responsible for such conditions for example medications, such as some water pills (diuretics), antidepressants, and pain medications; can interfere with the normal hormonal and kidney processes that keep sodium concentrations within the healthy normal range.

• Heart, kidney, and liver problems

  Some diseases and congestive heart failure sometimes affect the kidneys and liver so badly that fluid starts accumulating in your body and lowered sodium levels due to the accumulation of this fluid.

• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)

  In this condition, high levels of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are produced, causing your body to retain water instead of excreting it normally in your urine.

• Chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea and other causes of dehydration

  This causes your body to lose electrolytes, such as sodium, and also increases ADH levels.

• Drinking too much water

  Drinking too much water leads to hyponatremia as it can reduce sodium levels by increasing kidney function by emitting too much water. Because you lose sodium through sweat, drinking too much water during endurance activities, such as marathons and triathlons, can also dilute the sodium content of your blood.

• Hormonal changes

  Adrenal gland insufficiency (Addison's disease) affects your adrenal glands' ability to produce hormones that help maintain your body's balance of sodium, potassium, and water. Low levels of thyroid hormone also can cause a low blood sodium level.

• The recreational drug Ecstasy

  This amphetamine increases the risk of severe and even fatal cases of hyponatremia.

The main causes of hyponatremia are certain medications, heart, kidney, and liver problems, drinking too much water, hormonal changes, and the recreational drug ecstasy.