Hyponatremia occurs when the concentration of sodium in your blood is abnormally low. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that’s in and around your cells. In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. When this happens, your body’s water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause many health problems, from mild to life-threatening.
Symptoms of low blood sodium can vary from person to person. If your sodium levels fall gradually, you may not experience any symptoms. If they drop very quickly, your symptoms may be more severe. Hyponatremia signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, loss of energy, drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, seizures, and commas.
Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at addressing the underlying cause, if possible. If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics, or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood. If you have severe, acute hyponatremia, you’ll need more-aggressive treatment. Options include intravenous fluids and medications to manage the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.
The table below includes the most commonly used ICD-10 codes for hyponatremia:
| ICD-10 Chapter | Codes | Code Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | E87.1 | Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia |
| 16 | P74.22 | Hyponatremia of newborn |
Author: Tonoya Ahmed
