Symptom 11. Shortness of Breath: The Overlooked Respiratory Sign of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can also cause shortness of breath, a symptom that might be overlooked or attributed to other conditions. Sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function, including the diaphragm and other muscles involved in respiration. When sodium levels decline, it can disrupt these processes, leading to difficulty breathing.
At first, you may experience a mild shortness of breath during physical exertion or feel like you can’t catch your breath after minor activities. As hyponatremia worsens, these symptoms can become more pronounced, potentially affecting your daily life and causing distress.
However, shortness of breath can be a symptom of various other health conditions, making it important to seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent difficulty breathing. If hyponatremia is found to be the cause, appropriate treatment can be initiated to correct sodium levels and manage this symptom. (11)
