Hydremia

Hydremia
Synonyms	Hypervolemia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Edema, hypertension, shortness of breath
Complications	Heart failure, pulmonary edema
Onset	Acute or chronic
Duration	Variable, depending on underlying cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Kidney failure, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, excessive fluid intake
Risks	Congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, liver disease
Diagnosis	Physical examination, blood tests, urinalysis, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Dehydration, anemia, hypoalbuminemia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Diuretics, fluid restriction, dialysis
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Common in patients with chronic illnesses
Deaths	N/A

Condition characterized by an excess of water in the blood

Classification	MeSH: SNOMED CT:
External resources	Patient UK: Hydremia NCI: Hydremia

Hydremia is a medical condition characterized by an excess of water in the blood. This condition can lead to a dilution of the blood components, potentially affecting the balance of electrolytes and the overall function of the circulatory system.

Pathophysiology

Hydremia occurs when there is an imbalance between the intake and excretion of water, leading to an increased volume of plasma. This can result from various causes, including excessive water intake, impaired renal function, or hormonal imbalances affecting water retention. The condition is often associated with hyponatremia, where the concentration of sodium in the blood is abnormally low due to dilution.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of hydremia:

• Excessive water intake: Consuming large amounts of water in a short period can overwhelm the kidneys' ability to excrete it, leading to water retention.
• Renal impairment: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease can reduce the kidneys' ability to excrete water, contributing to fluid overload.
• Hormonal imbalances: Disorders affecting hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can lead to inappropriate water retention.
• Heart failure: In heart failure, the body's mechanisms to retain fluid are activated, which can lead to hydremia.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hydremia can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Edema: Swelling due to fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Hypertension: Increased blood pressure due to increased blood volume.
• Headache and nausea: Resulting from cerebral edema or electrolyte imbalances.
• Confusion or seizures: Severe cases can lead to neurological symptoms due to electrolyte disturbances.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing hydremia involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:

• Medical history and physical examination: Assessing symptoms and potential causes.
• Blood tests: Measuring electrolyte levels, particularly sodium, to identify dilutional hyponatremia.
• Urine tests: Evaluating urine osmolality and sodium concentration to assess kidney function and water excretion.

Treatment

The treatment of hydremia focuses on addressing the underlying cause and restoring fluid balance. Approaches may include:

• Fluid restriction: Limiting water intake to prevent further dilution of blood components.
• Diuretics: Medications that promote water excretion by the kidneys.
• Electrolyte replacement: Correcting imbalances, particularly sodium, to prevent complications.
• Treating underlying conditions: Managing diseases such as heart failure or kidney disease that contribute to fluid overload.

Prognosis

The prognosis for hydremia depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many individuals can achieve a good outcome. However, untreated or severe cases can lead to serious complications, including cerebral edema and cardiac arrest.

Related pages

• Hyponatremia
• Edema
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart failure