Electrolyte Imbalance: Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia

Electrolyte Imbalance

Hypernatremia

• Caused by excessive loss of water through various means, including:
  • Overhead heaters that remove moisture from the air
  • Gastrointestinal fluid loss due to vomiting or diarrhea
  • Deprivation of fluids
  • Kidney-related issues, such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which affects the kidneys' ability to regulate water levels
  • Administration of hypertonic fluids that contain high concentrations of sodium

Hyponatremia

• Can occur due to:
  • Inappropriate release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) following trauma or infection
  • Administration of hypotonic fluids that have low sodium concentrations
  • Certain medical conditions, including:
    • Renal tubular acidosis, which affects the kidneys' ability to regulate electrolyte levels
    • Salt-losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic disorder that affects cortisol production
    • 21-hydroxylase deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects adrenal gland function
    • Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems
  • Use of diuretics, which increase urine production and can lead to sodium depletion
  • Kidney failure, which can disrupt electrolyte balance