Sodium (Na) in Urine

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The sodium urine test examines the quantity of salt (sodium) in urine.
Sodium in urine levels are typically measured in individuals who have irregular blood sodium levels to help identify whether an imbalance is from. For instance, taking in too much sodium or losing too much sodium. Urine sodium examination is also used to determine if a person with high blood pressure is taking too much salt. It is often used in patients with abnormal kidney tests to help identify the cause of kidney damage that can help to specify treatment.

The sodium levels are frequently ordered during the workup of acute renal failure. The fractional excretion of sodium is an important marker in distinguishing pre-renal from post-renal failure.

The test is mostly used to identify patient's hydration status and ability of kidneys to conserve or remove sodium from the urine.
Conditions under which the test may be performed:
·Acute tubular necrosis  
·Hepatorenal syndrome  
·Medullary cystic kidney disorder  
·Glomerulonephritis  
·Prerenal azotemia  
·Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)  

Test results
High urine sodium levels may be produce by too much salt in the food or certain medications.
High amount of sodium in the food may raise blood pressure in some people. For those who have high blood pressure, taking diet with a lot of sodium makes their chance of heart failure, stroke, and kidney damage higher. Heart disorder gets worse when high amount of sodium is eaten. It elevates the amount of water the body holds in and this causes swelling of the legs and hands. Some people have problems when they eat more than four grams of salt (sodium) per day.

Low sodium level is unusual and commonly occurs as a side effect of taking medicines that make patient urinate more, such as diuretics. Low sodium level may also be caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting or heavy sweating. Lower than normal urine sodium levels may indicate:
·Aldosteronism  
·Congestive heart failure  
·Diarrhea and fluid loss  
·Kidney failure  

Also you should know
About 85% of the sodium in the body is concentrated in blood and lymph fluid. Sodium levels in the body are partly controlled by a hormone called aldosterone that is made by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone level points the kidneys when to hold sodium in the body instead of disposing it in the urine.

Many food products have natural sodium or as an ingredient in cooking. Sodium is found in table salt as sodium chloride or in baking soda as sodium bicarbonate. Many medicines and other products also have sodium in them, including laxatives, aspirin, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

Sodium levels can also be measured in a blood test.


 
 
 
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All information on this page is intended for your general knowledge only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.