Understanding Hyponatremia and Its Implications

Hyponatremia is characterized by an excess of water relative to sodium in the serum, leading to a mismatch of water and sodium concentrations. The condition poses a risk of dangerous brain swelling as water shifts into cells to restore normal serum osmolality. The approach to managing hyponatremia involves assessing severity, identifying underlying causes, and determining the chronicity of the condition, which guides treatment decisions. Factors such as serum osmolality, urine studies, volume status, and clinical history play crucial roles in diagnosing and managing hyponatremia.