Edited by Dr. Stefano Casali
Sports hyponatremia: subjects at risk
Hyponatremia is the most serious cause of collapse as a consequence of sporting activity. In general, it occurs following the assumption of hypotonic liquids, which do not contain sodium or to a minimum part, to cope with the loss of generally hypertonic sweat. The most common cases occur in particularly long endurance competitions and are more frequent among women, slower runners and anyone who drinks water instead of sodium-supplemented sports drinks Symptoms of hyponatremia depend on the severity of the sodium deficiency.
Normal values of sodium and severity of hyponatremia
A normal blood sodium concentration (eusodemia) ranges from 135 to 145 mEq / L. Below these values, the degree of hyponatremia can range from mild to severe:
1. Slight (sodium = 131-134 mEq / L), usually has no symptoms;
2. Moderate (sodium = 126-130 mEq / L), discomfort, nausea, fatigue, mental confusion and the so-called "phantom gait" or involuntary and repeated movements of the legs during rest may appear);
3. Severe (sodium <126 mEq / L), can cause coma, stroke and even death.
How to recognize sports hyponatremia: signs and symptoms
Blood tests performed on a hyponatriemic athlete usually reveal a rectal temperature below 39 ° C and normal blood pressure and heart rate. The level of consciousness always decreases when passing from a moderate phase to a more severe one.
What to do in the presence of suggestive signs of hyponatremia
Experience teaches us that we can speak of hyponatremia if the rectal temperature, blood pressure and heart rate are within normal values for the athlete who has suffered a collapse and has a lowering of the conscious level. When the athlete shows signs of overhydration, it is absolutely necessary to avoid the administration of fluids intravenously as it can damage the heart or even lead to death. When the athlete seems dehydrated and is presumed to have a low blood volume, an administration saline intravenous serves to restore water and salts. In the most serious cases, you can opt for highly hypertonic saline solutions (3-5%) to be injected very slowly (less than 50 ml / h) keeping the general conditions of the athlete under constant control. quite severe hyponatremia recover on their own within 1-3 hours of rest and supportive care. When urine becomes abundant and clear, the athlete is recovering.
Other articles on "Hyponatremia and sport"
- Muscle cramps and dehydration
- Syncope
- Vasovagal syncope, neuromediate syncope, post-exercise syncope
- Collapse and Sport
- Collapse and training
- Hypoglycemia and Hypothermia in the Athlete
- Collapse and sport: how to intervene
- Sudden Sports Death
- Sudden Sports Death: causes and prevention
