Hyponatremia - I was get there fast.

On my first ever bike packing trip I hit a rough spot and was not doing well. I think it was more Heat exhaustion but Hypernatremia was a possibility.

Hyponatremia: a low sodium level in the blood caused by high water intake combined with low salt intake and salt loss in sweat.
Signs and Symptoms of Mild/Moderate Hyponatremia

• Headache

• Unusual weakness and fatigue

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Possible mild to moderate anxiety, otherwise normal mental status

• Possible muscle cramping

• History of heavy water intake



Treatment of Mild/Moderate Hyponatremia

1. Rest in shade.

2. Stop fluid intake.

3. Avoid even electrolyte replacement drinks.

Intake salty foods.

4. Rest until symptoms subside.



Signs and Symptoms of Severe Hyponatremia

All the signs and symptoms of mild/moderate hyponatremia are possible, plus an altered mental status (e.g.,disoriented, irritable, combative).



Treatment of Severe Hyponatremia

Evacuate rapidly.



Prevention

• Stay hydrated.

• Eat salty food while exercising in the heat.

• Do not rely on electrolyte replacement drinks alone (many are low in sodium).



Evacuation guidelines summary: Hyponatremia

* Rapidly evacuate patients with an altered mental status.



Prevention for Heat Illnesses

• Stay hydrated. Monitor urine output for color and quantity. Heat illness and dehydration can be cumulative.

• Snack regularly to avoid hyponatremia.

• Exercise early or late in the day in hot environments. Rest often.

• Give yourself 10-14 days to acclimatize before you begin heavy exercise.

• Wear well-ventilated, open weave clothing. cover your head and wear sunglasses.

• Know your demographic. the very young and the elderly are less efficient at heat loss, as are people who are very muscular or overweight.

• Monitor drug use. Drugs that have been known to contribute to heat illnesses include alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, some anesthetics, cocaine, and amphetamines.

So for me I found shade and held up in it for a good period of time. I took in water and Electrolytes (none Gatorade). I am also did some snacks trail mix and granola bar. I have medical knowledge and I can say that the first thing that concern me was the sweat was starting to dry up. I caught it early and handled it well. I did have a chose to make a 8 mile ride back to get out of the canyon to head home or a 2 mile down hill to get to the campground and other people. The wise choice continue to the campsite. Of course all went well but you can not be to careful. So plan, prepare, and plan again and always listen to your body it will tell you things.