- Hyponatremia is defined as a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L. It commonly affects older patients and those with conditions like heart failure, cancer, or cirrhosis.
- The document reviews literature on the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and management of hyponatremia. It finds that most cases are caused by low serum osmolality and tonicity. Symptoms range from mild to severe and depend on the rapidity of onset.
- Diagnosis involves considering causes like medications, assessing volume status, and lab tests of sodium, urine osmolality, and specific gravity. Treatment ranges from fluid restriction to intravenous saline or vaptans, and aims to correct