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What triggers hyponatremia in the elderly and how to manage?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

One of my relatives is 61 years old and was diagnosed with lymphoma last year. He had chemotherapy and radiation for around seven months, and his previous PET scan four months ago showed no signs of cancer. He was good until last month's end.

This month, his sodium level dropped, and he had a fever intermittently. He started to lose his memory. The doctor suggested giving sodium through IV (intravenously). His sodium level was around 115 mEq/L. He is getting a fever with shivers when the IV is removed. The sodium count now is 129 mEq/L.

I would like to know the possible cause of the sodium drop and what can be done.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Bhatia Jatin Vinod

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhatia Jatin Vinod is a skilled Radiation Oncologist with extensive clinical experience in treating various types of cancers using advanced radiation therapies. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care with precision and compassion. His expertise lies in modern radiation techniques, treatment planning, and supportive care for cancer patients. He also focuses on improving outcomes while minimizing side effects.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Multiple factors could lead to low sodium, such as poor nutrition, dehydration, side effects of earlier cancer treatment, comorbidities like high blood pressure and associated treatment, etc. Thus, it is possible that it is not related to the previous lymphoma.

However, to narrow it down, I would like more details. If you could share previous reports and any comorbidities, it would help me answer your question. After diagnosing low sodium levels, did you get your PET (positron emission tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan done?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 27, 2022
Reviewed At June 4, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhatia Jatin Vinod is a skilled Radiation Oncologist with extensive clinical experience in treating various types of cancers using advanced radiation therapies. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care with precision and compassion. His expertise lies in modern radiation techniques, treatment planning, and supportive care for cancer patients. He also focuses on improving outcomes while minimizing side effects.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bhatia Jatin Vinod is a skilled Radiation Oncologist with extensive clinical experience in treating various types of cancers using advanced radiation therapies. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care with precision and compassion. His expertise lies in modern radiation techniques, treatment planning, and supportive care for cancer patients. He also focuses on improving outcomes while minimizing side effects.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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