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Low levels of sodium happen when a person loses too much salt e.g. sweating excessively, overhydration, certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants etc.
A low level of sodium is restored by giving sodium water intravenously if the symptoms are severe.
High sodium levels are caused by dehydration, not enough fluid consumption, kidney problems, diuretics. Fluids are given intravenously to replace the fluids.
A Normal blood sodium level is 135 - 145 milliEquivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 135 - 145 millimoles/liter (mmol/L).
Low potassium is caused by diuretics, certain cardiac drugs, cortisone therapy or Cushing’s syndrome.
High potassium is more dangerous than low potassium. It generally indicates renal failure, diabetic acidosis, trauma, can be caused by ACE inhibitors. A symptom is abnormal hearth rhythm, this can be corrected with calcium intravenously.
The normal blood potassium level is 3.5 - 5.0 milliEquivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 3.5 - 5.0 millimoles/liter (mmol/L).
Low chloride values point to addison’s disease, kidney disease, excessive sweating, vomiting
High chloride values are generally associated with acidosis, renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, dehydration.
The normal serum range for chloride is 98 - 108 mmol/L.
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