Fever
Losing too much fluid by sweating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Using certain diuretics —medicines that increase urination
Severe burns
Having certain health problems, such as central diabetes insipidus or kidney disorder

Symptoms

Problems may be:

Dry mouth
Being very thirsty
Lightheadedness
Muscle weakness, cramps, or twitching
Irritability
Weight loss
Urinating less than usual
Confusion

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a symptom of hypernatremia.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will be asked about your fluid intake and urine output. A physical exam will be done.

Blood and urine tests will be done to check sodium levels.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to balance the fluids in the body. Liquids will be given by mouth or IV. The fluid will contain specific amounts of water, sugar, and sodium. Reintroducing fluids slowly will lower the sodium to a normal level.

Medicine may also be given to ease nausea.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca/ForPatients

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Central diabetes insipidus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/central-diabetes-insipidus. Accessed August 18, 2021.

Dehydration and hypovolemia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/dehydration-and-hypovolemia-in-adults. Accessed August 18, 2021.

Hypernatremia. Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hypernatremia. Accessed August 18, 2021.

Hypernatremia—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/hypernatremia-approach-to-the-patient. Accessed August 18, 2021.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nephrogenic-diabetes-insipidus. Accessed August 18, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 8/18/2021

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