Skip to main content

Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Hyponatremia

Abstract

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is the development of a low serum sodium in association with endurance exercise of any type. The pathogenesis includes excessive water intake, inappropriate vasopressin release, impairment in urinary dilution, as well as other mechanisms. Prompt recognition of the signs and symptoms of EAH can be life saving. The rapid use of hypertonic (3%) saline in athletes with EAH leads to rapid resolution of symptoms. In the absence of appropriate therapy, EAH has lead to tragic consequences in otherwise healthy adults.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Lien YH, Shapiro JI. Hyponatremia: clinical diagnosis and management. Am J Med. 2007;120(8):653–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Montain SJ, Sawka MN, Wenger CB. Hyponatremia associated with exercise: risk factors and pathogenesis. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2001;29(3):113–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Speedy DB, Noakes TD, Schneider C. Exercise-associated hyponatremia: a review. Emerg Med (Fremantle). 2001;13(1):17–27.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Rosner MH, Kirven J. Exercise-associated hyponatremia. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007;2(1):151–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Rosner MH. Exercise-associated hyponatremia. Semin Nephrol. 2009;29(3):271–81.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Hew-Butler TD, Ayus JC, Kipps C, et al. Statement of the Second International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference, New Zealand, 2007. Clin J Sport Med. 2008;18(2):111–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Hew-Butler TD, Almond CS, Ayus JC, et al. Consensus Statement of the 1st International Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia Consensus Development Conference, Cape Town, South Africa 2005. Clin J Sport Med. 2005;15(4):208–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Noakes TD, Goodwin N, Rayner BL, Branken T, Taylor RK. Water intoxication: a possible complication during endurance exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1985;17(3):370–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Hiller WDB. Dehydration and hyponatremia during triathlons. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1989;21(Suppl):219–21.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Noakes TD, Sharwood K, Speedy D, et al. Three independent biological mechanisms cause exercise-associated hyponatremia: evidence from 2,135 weighed competitive athletic performances. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2005;102(51):18550–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Frizzell RT, Lang GH, Lowance DC, Lathan SR. Hyponatremia and ultramarathon running. JAMA. 1986;255(6):772–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Noakes TD. Overconsumption of fluids by athletes. BMJ. 2003;327(7407):113–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Wyndham CH, Strydom NB. The danger of an inadequate water intake during marathon running. S Afr Med J. 1969;43(29):893–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Lebus DK, Casazza GA, Hoffman MD, Ganong AC, Van Loan M. Can changes in body mass and total body water accurately predict hyponatremia following a 161-km running race? Clin J Sport Med. 2010;20(3):193–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Hoffman MD, Stuempfle KJ, Rogers IR, Weschler LB, Hew-Butler T. Hyponatremia in the 2009 161-km Western States Endurance Run. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2012;7(1):6–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Stuempfle KJ, Lehmann DR, Case HS, et al. Hyponatremia in a cold weather ultraendurance race. Alaska Med. 2002;44(3):51–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Glace BW, Murphy CA, McHugh MP. Food intake and electrolyte status of ultramarathoners competing in extreme heat. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):553–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rosemann T. No exercise-associated hyponatremia found in an observational field study of male ultra-marathoners participating in a 24-hour ultra-run. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(4):94–100.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Speedy DB, Noakes TD, Rogers IR, et al. Hyponatremia in ultradistance triathletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31(6):809–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Hiller DB, O’Toole ML, Fortress EE, Laird RH, Imbert PC, Sisk TD. Medical and physiological considerations in triathlons. Am J Sports Med. 1987;15(2):164–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Sharwood K, Collins M, Goedecke J, Wilson G, Noakes T. Weight changes, sodium levels, and performance in the South African Ironman Triathlon. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12(6):391–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Rust CA, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rosemann T. No case of exercise-associated hyponatraemia in top male ultra-endurance cyclists: the ‘Swiss Cycling Marathon’. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(2):689–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Hew-Butler T, Dugas JP, Noakes TD, Verbalis JG. Changes in plasma vasopressin concentrations in cyclists participating in a 109 km cycle race. Br J Sports Med. 2010;44(8):594–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Wagner S, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Rust CA, Rosemann T. Higher prevalence of exercise-associated hyponatremia in female than in male open-water ultra-endurance swimmers: the ‘Marathon-Swim’ in Lake Zurich. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(3):1095–106.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Kipps C, Sharma S, Tunstall PD. The incidence of exercise-associated hyponatraemia in the London marathon. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(1):14–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Almond CS, Shin AY, Fortescue EB, et al. Hyponatremia among runners in the Boston marathon. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(15):1550–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Reid SA, Speedy DB, Thompson JM, et al. A study of haematological and biochemical parameters in runners completing a standard marathon. Clin J Sport Med. 2004;14(6):344–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Hew TD. Women hydrate more than men during a marathon race: hyponatremia in the Houston marathon: a report on 60 cases. Clin J Sport Med. 2005;15(3):148–53.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Ayus JC, Varon J, Arieff AI. Hyponatremia, cerebral edema, and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in marathon runners. Ann Intern Med. 2000;132(9):711–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Siegel AJ, Verbalis JG, Clement S, et al. Hyponatremia in marathon runners due to inappropriate arginine vasopressin secretion. Am J Med. 2007;120(5):461.e11–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Hew TD, Chorley JN, Cianca JC, Divine JG. The incidence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of hyponatremia in marathon runners. Clin J Sport Med. 2003;13(1):41–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Davis DP, Videen JS, Marino A, et al. Exercise-associated hyponatremia in marathon runners: a two-year experience. J Emerg Med. 2001;21(1):47–57.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Lee JK, Nio AQ, Ang WH, et al. First reported cases of exercise-associated hyponatremia in Asia. Int J Sports Med. 2011;32(4):297–302.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Glace B, Murphy C. Severe hyponatremia develops in a runner following a half-marathon. JAAPA. 2008;21(6):27–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Shapiro SA, Ejaz AA, Osborne MD, Taylor WC. Moderate exercise-induced hyponatremia. Clin J Sport Med. 2006;16(1):72–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Backer HD, Shopes E, Collins SL, Barkan H. Exertional heat illness and hyponatremia in hikers. Am J Emerg Med. 1999;17(6):532–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Carter III R. Exertional heat illness and hyponatremia: an epidemiological prospective. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008;7(4):S20–7.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Kolka MA, Latzka WA, Montain SJ, Sawka MN. Current U.S. Military Fluid Replacement Guidelines. RTO-HFM Specialists’ Meeting, editor. RTO-MP-HFM-086, 6-1-6-6. 2003. Boston, MA. Maitaining Hydration: Issues, Guidelines, and Delivery.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Gardner JW. Death by water intoxication. Mil Med. 2002;167(5):432–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Garigan TP, Ristedt DE. Death from hyponatremia as a result of acute water intoxication in an Army basic trainee. Mil Med. 1999;164(3):234–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Zelingher J, Putterman C, Ilan Y, et al. Case series: hyponatremia associated with moderate exercise. Am J Med Sci. 1996;311(2):86–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Herfel R, Stone CK, Koury SI, Blake JJ. Iatrogenic acute hyponatraemia in a college athlete. Br J Sports Med. 1998;32(3):257–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Morton A. An unusual cause of exercise-induced hyponatremia. Emerg Med Australas. 2007;19:377–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Armstrong LE, Curtis WC, Hubbard RW, Francesconi RP, Moore R, Askew EW. Symptomatic hyponatremia during prolonged exercise in heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993;25(5):543–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Baker LB, Munce TA, Kenney WL. Sex differences in voluntary fluid intake by older adults during exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2005;37(5):789–96.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Wilber DQ, Brown D. District officer dies after bike ride. Over-hydration cited as factor. Washington Post. 8-11-2005. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/10/AR200508100146

  47. Electrolyte Imbalance Blamed in Death of Football Player. Coroner’s office says athlete failed to replenish lost sodium. TurnTo23.com. 2008. http://www.turnto23.com/print/17338293/detail.html

  48. Vega C. 8 charged in Chico hazing death. SFGate. 3-4-2005. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=c/a/2005/03/04HAZING.TMP

  49. Noakes TD, Norman RJ, Buck RH, Godlonton J, Stevenson K, Pittaway D. The incidence of hyponatremia during prolonged ultraendurance exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;22(2):165–70.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Wharam PC, Speedy DB, Noakes TD, Thompson JM, Reid SA, Holtzhausen LM. NSAID use increases the risk of developing hyponatremia during an Ironman triathlon. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38(4):618–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Olsson KE, Saltin B. Variation in total body water with muscle glycogen changes in man. Acta Physiol Scand. 1970;80(1):11–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Rose B, Post T. Clinical physiology of acid–base and electroltye disorders. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Rowe JW, Shelton RL, Helderman JH, et al. Influence of the emetic reflex on vasopressin release in man. Kidney Int. 1979;16:729–35.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Baylis PH, Zerbe RL, Robertson GL. Arginine vasopressin response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in man. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981;53(5):935–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Hew-Butler T, Jordaan E, Stuempfle KJ, et al. Osmotic and Non-osmotic regulation of arginine vasopressin during prolonged endurance exercise. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(6):2072–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Edelman IS, James AH, Brooks L, Moore FD. Body sodium and potassium. IV. The normal total exchangeable sodium; its measurement and magnitude. Metabolism. 1954;3(6):530–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Edelman IS, James AH, Baden H, Moore FD. Electrolyte composition of bone and the penetration of radiosodium and deuterium oxide into dog and human bone. J Clin Invest. 1954;33(2):122–31.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Halperin ML, Kamel KS, Sterns R. Hyponatremia in marathon runners. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(4):427–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Lindinger MI, Heigenhauser GJ, McKelvie RS, Jones NL. Blood ion regulation during repeated maximal exercise and recovery in humans. Am J Physiol. 1992;262(1 Pt 2):R126–36.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Buono MJ, Ball KD, Kolkhorst FW. Sodium ion concentration vs.sweat rate relationship in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2007;103:990–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Buono MJ, Sjoholm NT. Effect of physical training on peripheral sweat production. J Appl Physiol. 1988;65(2):811–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Hew-Butler T, Collins M, Bosch A, et al. Maintenance of plasma volume and serum sodium concentration despite body weight loss in ironman triathletes. Clin J Sport Med. 2007;17(2):116–22.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Rogers IR, Hook G, Stuempfle KJ, Hoffman MD, Hew-Butler T. An intervention study of oral versus intravenous hypertonic saline administration in runners with exercise-associated hyponatremia. Clin J Sport Med. 2011;21(3):200–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Siegel AJ, D’Hemecourt P, Adner MM, Shirey T, Brown JL, Lewandrowski KB. Exertional dysnatremia in collapsed marathon runners: a critical role for point-of-care testing to guide appropriate therapy. Am J Clin Pathol. 2009;132(3):336–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Patel DR, Gyamfi R, Torres A. Exertional rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. Phys Sportsmed. 2009;37(1):71–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Hoffman MD, Hew-Butler T, Stuempfle KJ, Rogers IR. Exercise-associated hyponatremia is common among dehydrated 161-km ultramarathon runners. Wilderness Environ Med. 2011;22:357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Ely BR, Cheuvront SN, Kenefick RW, Sawka MN. Limitations of salivary osmolality as a marker of hydration status. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(6):1080–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Twerenbold R, Knechtle B, Kakebeeke TH, et al. Effects of different sodium concentrations in replacement fluids during prolonged exercise in women. Br J Sports Med. 2003;37(4):300–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Hew-Butler T, Verbalis JG, Noakes TD. Updated fluid recommendation: position statement from the international marathon medical directors association (IMMDA). Clin J Sport Med. 2006;16(4):283–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Speedy DB, Rogers IR, Noakes TD, et al. Diagnosis and prevention of hyponatremia at an ultradistance triathlon. Clin J Sport Med. 2000;10(1):52–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Winger JM, Dugas JP, Dugas LR. Beliefs about hydration and physiology drive drinking behaviours in runners. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(8):646–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Hew-Butler TD, Sharwood K, Collins M, Speedy D, Noakes T. Sodium supplementation is not required to maintain serum sodium concentrations during an Ironman triathlon. Br J Sports Med. 2006;40(3):255–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Speedy DB, Thompson JM, Rodgers I, Collins M, Sharwood K, Noakes TD. Oral salt supplementation during ultradistance exercise. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12(5):279–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Vrijens DM, Rehrer NJ. Sodium-free fluid ingestion decreases plasma sodium during exercise in the heat. J Appl Physiol. 1999;86(6):1847–51.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mitchell H. Rosner M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rosner, M.H., Bennett, B., Hew-Butler, T., Hoffman, M.D. (2013). Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia. In: Simon, E. (eds) Hyponatremia. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6645-1_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6645-1_10

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6644-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6645-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics