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What Are the Causes of Hypernatraemia?

Hypernatremia is a condition in which the concentration of sodium within the body becomes abnormally high. Many cells within the body use sodium ions as a way for moving other materials around. High levels of sodium can be especially damaging in the brain. Hypernatremia is usually caused by controlled administration of water. The condition must be treated gradually to avoid causing a sudden drop in sodium levels, which can also be toxic.

  1. Dehydration

    • One of the primary causes of hypernatremia is sudden loss of fluid in which more water is lost than sodium. One way in which this can happen is through prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. While some sodium is lost while vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, there is even more fluid that is lost, which can cause the concentration of sodium in the body to go up. This can also happen with people who have experienced severe burns.

    Renal Problems

    • In some cases, hypernatremia is a result of increased fluid loss via excessive urination. This can be caused by the kidneys failing, which can cause urine output to be dramatically increased. This can also happen because of the use of various diuretics, including loop diuretics and other substances, such as mannitol.

    Lack of Fluid Intake

    • Another cause of hypervolemia can occur when a patient does not drink enough water. This can be due to a lack of available water. Some patients also suffer from a condition known as primary hypodypsia, in which they simply do not feel thirsty. As a result, they become dehydrated and the concentration of sodium in their body rises.

    Excessive Sodium Intake

    • Another cause of hypernatremia is taking in too much sodium. Although it is theoretically possible to do this by eating too much salt, it is extremely difficult to do this. This can happen, however, when a patient is being given intravenous fluids with a high level of sodium, or when he is receiving nutrition intravenously.

    Adrenal Problems

    • Hypernatremia can also be caused by problems with the adrenal gland. Some of the hormones that the adrenal gland produces, such as deoxycorticosterone, cause to body to hold onto sodium. As a result, adrenal tumors, or adrenal glands that are abnormally active due to some injury or genetic defect, can cause hypernatremia.

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