Salt is everywhere. It's in our pantries, on our kitchen tables, and present in most foods and beverages we consume. It's essential for our bodies to function properly. However, it also can be dangerous—or in some cases even deadly.
"Salt poisoning is a real thing," says Sherrie Pace, outreach education manager at the Utah Poison Control Center. "There are dangerous salt ingestion practices demonstrated on the Internet that some people will follow, and they don't understand the risk"
Hypernatremia is the medical term for salt poisoning. It refers to high levels of sodium in the blood, which draws water out of the cells.
Salt Poisoning Symptoms
The earliest and most common symptom is thirst. Other symptoms include fatigue, dry mouth, and restlessness. As the condition worsens, a patient may have an increased heart rate, muscle spasms, or seizures. In severe cases coma, brain damage, or death may occur.
At-risk groups
People with metabolic disorders are most at risk for hypernatremia, but children can also be unwitting victims. They may get into high salt foods and consume too much or they may ingest a non-food item with a large amount of salt.
"We have had calls where children have eaten homemade play dough," Pace says. "That has enough salt in it to cause problems if enough is eaten."
Causes of Salt Poisoning
Another common cause of hypernatremia is when people try to make themselves vomit using salt water. They may do this due to an eating disorder, or to try and purge something from their system. The internet lists salt as an emetic to induce vomiting, which is a dangerous practice.
"There are cases where someone has tried to induce vomiting to avoid poisoning," Pace says. "However, the poison is not removed, and the salt causes additional problems even as severe as death."
Help is available 24/7
If you, or someone you know, is showing symptoms of salt poisoning, or if your child has accidentally ingested a large amount of salt get help immediately. The important thing is to get help fast. Pace advises to not search the internet for answers. Call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Toxicology experts are available 24 hours a day to help assess the situation and take appropriate actions.