COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Low Sodium

moonsky
moonsky
Has anyone had a low sodium count because of emphysema? OR....
Info that emphysema can cause a low sodium count...moonsky
dogman1313
dogman1313
There is enough sodium in one can of most soups for a least ten people. There is plenty of sodium in veggis in general.
deleted_user
deleted_user
The COPD medication theophylline can cause sodium levels to drop because the drug increases urination. I am not aware of any other COPD drugs that do this, but there may be others.

It is advised that COPD patients eat a low sodium diet because retaining less water makes it easier to breathe. However it appears it would be a good idea to get plenty of salt if you are taking theophylline.

Low sodium levels can cause death. It's that serious a matter.
deleted_user
deleted_user
a couple of years ago I wound up in ICU because I was prescribed a medication with HCTZ in it. It caused my sodium and potassium to bottom out. I almost died before they figured out what was wrong. Gerrie
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had a blood test a week ago and Dr. office called and said my sodium was low. Dr. said to drink no more than 1 liter of fluids a day for 5 days and see if it will come up. I stayed close to the 1 liter and had another test Tuesday and it came up the 10 points it was low. He said just watch the fluids and he would check it again in two or three months. I wonder if it is the HCTZ pill I take every day? I also take Atenolol (50mg) and I don't know if it has any HCTZ in it or not.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been on theopphyllin for about 3 months at a low dose and no one mention to me that it can deplete your sodium levels or that it acts as a diuretic. So far I havent had any problems.
I do watch my sodium intake and at last blood draw potassium level was fine.
If I am not mistaken HCTZ is a diuretic and some can cause a depletion in potassium. Yet there are some that are potassium sparing.