Sodium deficiency is seen in 70 per cent of older people above 60 years: Experts

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Similar to how elevated sodium levels in the body can lead to high blood pressure, low sodium levels are also a cause for worry. Many individuals over 60 often experience sodium deficiency, known as hyponatremia, which poses significant health risks. Despite being a prevalent issue, there is a lack of awareness surrounding this condition, resulting in many cases remaining unnoticed. Increasing awareness and prompt intervention are crucial in addressing sodium deficiency and enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals.

Sodium helps to maintain consistent blood pressure. It helps to balance the fluids in the body and also assists in activating muscles and nerves. Hyponatremia means low sodium levels in the body. The risk factors for it are kidney failure, congestive heart failure, low sodium in the diet, conditions of the lungs, liver, and brain, hormonal imbalance and endocrine system, past surgery, and certain medications.

"In adults, a normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per litre. The incidence of heart disease has increased since post-Covid-era. And the use of diuretics is also high for heart disease. When there is a sodium deficiency in the blood, the body's water content increases, resulting in swelling in the body. One can exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, forgetfulness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, coma, and seizures due to the low sodium levels in the body. Due to severe sodium deficiency, an individual may even lapse into a coma. This has the most effect on the brain because when the brain swells due to excess water, it can cause memory loss," said Dr Samrat Shah, Internal Medicine Expert, Apollo Spectra, Pune.

Dr Shah added, "An 80-year-old man facing issues such as shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and collapsed suddenly, and was admitted to Apollo Spectra Hospital in Pune for treatment. After examining the patient, he advised some blood tests. It was found that the patient's blood sodium level had dropped to as low as 101 mEq/L. Consequently, an attempt was made to increase the sodium level by utilising glucose. However, the patient's symptoms didn't subside, there was a problem with his speech. Further tests were recommended. It was found that the patient's prostate gland was swollen and it was assumed that he was facing urinary issues. Due to low sodium levels, fits would occur. Prompt medical treatment was initiated on this patient, and the doctors were successful in keeping his blood sodium level balanced. Just like this patient, in the past 2 months, I have seen 10 patients with confusion 3 with seizures, and 2 with repetition of speech. Sodium deficiency is seen in 70% of older people above 60. For signs and symptoms such as confusion, speech problems, disorientation, seizures, or coma, seek advice without any delay."

"To treat sodium deficiency, it is important to limit the water intake as per the expert's advice, treat underlying conditions promptly that are causing sodium deficiency, and adjust medication, diuretics, and salt intake. One will have to be alert and ensure to take care without compromising on health," highlighted Dr Shah.

"Sodium deficiency cases are alarmingly rising in old age due to factors such as dehydration, reduced dietary intake of salt, taking diuretics, heart problems, chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism. About 10 percent of the elderly are found to be sodium deficient. The complications associated with it are brain swelling, osteoporosis, bone fractures, coma, seizures, and death. A blood and urine test can help to detect low sodium levels. After the confirmed diagnosis, the patient's fluid intake will be monitored, the dosage of ongoing medication for managing any condition will be reviewed and hyponatremia is treatable with medications" Concluded Dr Aditya Sondankar, internal medician expert, Medicover Hospital, Pune.

Dr Urvi Maheshwari, internal medicine expert, Zynova Shalby Hospital Said, ‘‘For the past few months, 25 to 30 patients had come for treatment with complaints of nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy. After medical examination these patients are found to be deficient in sodium. hyponatremia is more seen in elderly patients in those who have more water retention in body, due to long term medications, due to chronic heart, liver and kidney conditions. Symptoms usually seen are Nausea, vomiting, Headache, Confusion, Loss of energy, drowsiness and fatigue, Restlessness and irritability, Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps, Seizures and Coma. Treatment is reducing water retention from body, change of certain medicines which reduces sodium from body, giving more salt to patient, giving intravenous or oral sodium.'