Diagnosis & treatment of SIADH (Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone)
Are you suffering from loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and vomiting? If yes, you might be suffering from the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
So, if you notice the symptoms, start taking prompt treatment to avoid these complications. Keep reading this article to get an insight into the management of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
SIADH is a condition that increases the production of vasopressin hormone in the body (which controls the kidney function of storing water in the body). Increased production can make the kidneys store more water in them. Which can lead to mild to severe symptoms according to what causes the condition.
Having elevated levels of this hormone leads to storing excess amounts of water in the body which results in cramps, muscle weakness, vomiting, and in severe cases can lead to seizures and coma. Most cases can easily be resolved if you take proper treatment. But in some cases, severe symptoms need emergency treatment. Treatment of causes is important to avoid this condition.
Diagnosis
To diagnose SIADH, you need to go through several tests to confirm this condition. First, the doctor asks about your medical history and the current symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor also asks whether you are taking certain medications and supplements.
After this, the first test that the doctor does is a complete physical exam to find what exactly is causing the symptoms. They do a urine test to check the concentration of fluid levels of potassium, sodium levels, and urine osmolality and to know if there are any infections in your blood.
After that, they do a blood test to check ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) levels in your blood. Although, it’s hard to get accurate levels. However, the normal range of ADH is 0 – 5 picograms per milliliter. More than that could be the result of SIADH. In most cases, SIADH is accurately diagnosed using copeptin serum and urine sodium and osmolality value in clinical presentation.
These tests help to determine the SIADH and then look at what is the reason behind its occurrence.
Treatment
Treatment of SIADH depends on the cause and symptoms you have. For example, if your SIADH is caused by a tumor, it needs to be removed by surgery. So, ADH levels return to normal.
Mostly the first treatment recommended to all patients is restricting their fluid intake. This will help to avoid further build-up. Some medications like furosemide help you do it. In case you have chronic symptoms, fluid restriction is permanent. There are medications like demeclocycline to inhibit ADH.
In the case of severe symptoms, you need immediate treatment. This treatment usually includes a salt solution of 3% saline injected into your veins. It is important to treat the cause to avoid further complications.
What are you waiting for? Visit us for your treatment or book your appointment to avoid waiting in line. At Doral Health and Wellness, we have doctors that can help you manage your condition. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.