What Causes Low Sodium And Potassium Levels In The Elderly?

What Causes Low Sodium in Elderly People? Medications such as diuretics, some types of antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Decreased liver, heart, or kidney function. Illnesses that can cause dehydration such as pneumonia.

What happens when your sodium and potassium levels are low?

A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.

What causes low sodium and low potassium levels in the elderly?

Decreased function of the kidneys, liver or heart. Certain cancers, including lung cancer. Certain illnesses, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, that can cause dehydration.

What causes sodium levels to drop in the elderly?

Hyponatremia in elderly subjects is mainly caused by drugs (more frequently thiazides and antidepressants), the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIAD) or endocrinopathies; however, hyponatremia is multifactorial in a significant proportion of patients.

What could the imbalance of sodium and potassium in the body lead to?

Consuming too little potassium and too much sodium can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Lowering blood pressure reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is the most common cause of low potassium?

Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.

What causes sodium to drop?

A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.

How long does it take to recover from low sodium?

Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. It can take weeks or months for you to experience the effects of low salt in your diet—and these effects can be corrected by just one day of normal salt intake.

How do you fix sodium potassium imbalance?

Treatment of An Electrolyte Imbalance: Intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement. A Minor electrolyte imbalance may be corrected by diet changes. For example; eating a diet rich in potassium if you have low potassium levels, or restricting your water intake if you have a low blood sodium level.

What is the treatment for low sodium levels?

Treatment for low blood sodium adjusting the dosage of diuretics. taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures. treating underlying conditions. infusing an intravenous (IV) sodium solution.

How do elderly increase sodium levels?

How to Increase Sodium Levels in Elderly People

1. Adjust or change medications.
2. Cut back on water and fluid consumption.
3. Seek treatment for underlying conditions or diseases.
4. Eat foods that are high in sodium.
5. Increase dietary protein to aid in water excretion.
6. Infusing an intravenous sodium solution.

Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water goes into your cells and makes them swell. This swelling can be dangerous especially in the brain, since the brain cannot expand past the skull.

What is a critical low sodium level?

Your blood sodium level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). If it’s below 135 mEq/L, it’s hyponatremia. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your level is too low.

What are symptoms of low potassium?

What are the symptoms of low potassium levels?

• Muscle twitches.
• Muscle cramps or weakness.
• Muscles that will not move (paralysis)
• Abnormal heart rhythms.
• Kidney problems.

What causes electrolyte imbalance in elderly?

Studies have found that older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than younger adults. There are many reasons for this, including: The kidneys may lose some of their function with age. Older adults may take multiple medications, such as diuretics, that can change electrolyte levels.

What medications cause low potassium levels?

Which medications can lower potassium levels?

• Diuretics. Diuretics like furosemide, bumetanide, hydrochlorothiazide, and chlorthalidone are the main medication-related cause of low potassium levels.
• Albuterol.
• Insulin.
• Sudafed.
• Laxatives and enemas.
• Risperdal and Seroquel.