Overview of the causes of hypernatraemia in primary care and guide to suggested action levels*
| Hypernatraemia: causes | |
|---|---|
| *Thresholds for action and referral should, however, be based principally on clinical state and rate of change. | |
| Hypernatraemia with a high/rising urea and only mild increase in creatinine is a useful adjunct to making a diagnosis of dehydration. | |
| Net water loss | Diuretics |
| Vomiting and diarrhoea | |
| Prolonged fever or sweating | |
| Failure to drink/poor access to fluids | |
| Diabetes mellitus | |
| Hyperventilation | |
| Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus | |
| Cranial diabetes insipidus | |
| Salt excess | Salt intoxication |