Exercise-associated hyponatremia

Abstract

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is the development of a low serum sodium in association with endurance exercise of any type. The pathogenesis includes excessive water intake, inappropriate vasopressin release, impairment in urinary dilution, as well as other mechanisms. Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of EAH can be life saving. The rapid use of hypertonic (3%) saline in athletes with EAH leads to rapid resolution of symptoms. In the absence of appropriate therapy, EAH has lead to tragic consequences in otherwise healthy adults.