Low sodium levels in the body, known as hyponatremia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and factors. The main causes include:
- Drinking excessive amounts of water, which dilutes sodium in the blood.
- Certain medications such as diuretics (water pills), antidepressants, and pain medications that affect sodium balance.
- Heart, kidney, or liver problems like congestive heart failure and cirrhosis, which cause fluid retention and dilute sodium.
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), where excess antidiuretic hormone retains water and lowers sodium concentration.
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea leading to loss of sodium and fluids.
- Hormonal imbalances such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) and low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).
- Excessive sweating and conditions causing loss of sodium in sweat.
- Recreational drug use such as ecstasy, which can affect sodium levels.
- Other causes can include adrenal gland disorders, dehydration, and rare genetic disorders affecting sodium loss.
Hyponatremia often results from either an excess of water relative to sodium or a loss of sodium from the body, depending on the underlying cause.
