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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Radiation Therapy Cause Low Sodium Levels?

Hi My mother age 80 radiation treatment for cancer of the vagina 2 years ago could radiation contribute to lowering of sodium level which has happen ended over the last two years now at 120 in hospital at the moment on saline drip any info would help at wits end thankyou
Fri, 23 Jan 2015
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Naturopathy & Yoga Specialist,  's  Response

Hi welcome to HCM

I have gone thru your query regarding low sodium levels of your mother . I can understand your concern .

THE CAUSES of low sodium , known as hyponatremia may be many . But apparently it may be outcome of - cirrhosis of the liver , congestive heart failure , nephrotic syndrome in the kidneys & massive edema of any cause &
Diuretic medicines, which increase urine output . Radiation and other therapies also have good or bad impacts on our blood counts .

Too little sodium in the diet alone is very rarely the cause of hyponatremia, although it can promote indirectly .
A low sodium level in the blood may result from excess water or fluid in the body, diluting the normal amount of sodium so that the concentration appears low.
Normal level of sodium in blood is 135 - 145 your mother's level is 120 ,which not very low and is managable with drip followed by proper diet control .suggested by your phisycian .

Sodium is found mostly in the body fluids outside the cells. It is very important for maintaining blood pressure. Sodium is also needed for nerves, muscles, and other body tissues to work properly.
Chronic hyponatremia can lead to such complications as neurological impairments .
Therefore, emergency care is necessary for patients with altered mental status, confusion, or lethargy or those who have had a seizure or cannot be wakened.
The treatment of low sodium depends on the underlying cause and as per the patient's blood volume status , intravenous administration of normal saline (salt) is usual, care being taken not to raise the serum sodium level

Prevention is important with respect to hyponatremia. It is important to respect the thirst mechanism to help decide about adequate hydration.
little exercise ,pranaya -deep breathing &healthy nourishing diet conaining all essential nutrients will lead her to healthy & blissfull life ahead .

It is suggested to consult your doctor for proper guidance

Hope this helps solves your query .Take care .All the best .Get well soon

Don't hesitate to get back if have any further query .



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Can Radiation Therapy Cause Low Sodium Levels?

Hi welcome to HCM I have gone thru your query regarding low sodium levels of your mother . I can understand your concern . THE CAUSES of low sodium , known as hyponatremia may be many . But apparently it may be outcome of - cirrhosis of the liver , congestive heart failure , nephrotic syndrome in the kidneys & massive edema of any cause & Diuretic medicines, which increase urine output . Radiation and other therapies also have good or bad impacts on our blood counts . Too little sodium in the diet alone is very rarely the cause of hyponatremia, although it can promote indirectly . A low sodium level in the blood may result from excess water or fluid in the body, diluting the normal amount of sodium so that the concentration appears low. Normal level of sodium in blood is 135 - 145 your mother s level is 120 ,which not very low and is managable with drip followed by proper diet control .suggested by your phisycian . Sodium is found mostly in the body fluids outside the cells. It is very important for maintaining blood pressure. Sodium is also needed for nerves, muscles, and other body tissues to work properly. Chronic hyponatremia can lead to such complications as neurological impairments . Therefore, emergency care is necessary for patients with altered mental status, confusion, or lethargy or those who have had a seizure or cannot be wakened. The treatment of low sodium depends on the underlying cause and as per the patient s blood volume status , intravenous administration of normal saline (salt) is usual, care being taken not to raise the serum sodium level Prevention is important with respect to hyponatremia. It is important to respect the thirst mechanism to help decide about adequate hydration. little exercise ,pranaya -deep breathing &healthy nourishing diet conaining all essential nutrients will lead her to healthy & blissfull life ahead . It is suggested to consult your doctor for proper guidance Hope this helps solves your query .Take care .All the best .Get well soon Don t hesitate to get back if have any further query .