Hypernatremia—Too Much Sodium

When there is an excessive amount of sodium and not enough water in the blood, this lack of balance is when hypernatremia occurs. This happens either when too much sodium accumulates or too much water is lost in the body. The measurement of more than 145 milliequivalents per liter of sodium in the body is what doctors define as hypernatremia. The normal level is at about 136 to 145 milliequivalents per liter.

When the body is healthy, the brain automatically balances the amount of sodium and water in your body. This is done by controlling output and intake, such as when we get thirsty or urinate. When the brain detects that sodium levels in the body are elevated, the kidneys can regulate the amount by increasing the amount removed from the bloodstream. Also, we are prompted to drink water when we feel thirsty.

A symptom of dehydration, hypernatremia is usually a mild condition that is simple to correct by addressing and resolving the issue of dehydration. A person who is dehydrated usually feels thirsty. This is an indication that the body senses that a mild case of hypernatremia is developing. The situation is reversed by drinking water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes. In moderate cases of dehydration, however, additional medical care is required.

Learn more in Part 1 and Part 2 of this ongoing series.

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