Final answer:
Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by an excess of water in relation to solute content in the body, resulting in low sodium levels. It can be caused by various conditions that lead to water imbalance and must be managed by addressing the underlying issue to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition described in the question is hyponatremia, which is an excess of water in relation to total solute content resulting in a lower-than-normal concentration of sodium in the blood. Various factors can lead to hyponatremia and subsequent volume depletion, such as edematous states, euvolemic hypo-osmolar states, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperproteinemia. These imbalances often produce symptoms including lethargy, confusion, coma, and hyperexcitability. Volume depletion and hyponatremia can stem from several different causes, including medical conditions like heart failure, liver cirrhosis, certain forms of kidney disease, and from excessive water retention possibly due to renal failure or the hypersecretion of ADH (antidiuretic hormone). Symptoms of fluid retention, known as edema, such as swollen tissues and pitting, are common physical manifestations of these conditions. Conversely, water depletion, which results in a higher concentrate of solutes compared to water, can cause signs of dehydration such as thirst, dizziness, and dry mucous membranes. Management aims to address the underlying cause and restore the normal fluid and electrolyte balance.