- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para NiƱos
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Hyposmolality
May also be called: Hypo-osmolality
Hyposmolality (hi-pos-mo-LAL-it-ee) is a condition where the levels of electrolytes, proteins, and nutrients in the blood are lower than normal.
More to Know
Blood is made up of blood cells suspended in a yellowish fluid called plasma. Plasma is 90% water and contains nutrients, proteins, hormones, and waste products.
Normally, the levels of water and other substances in plasma stay in balance. If the amount of water becomes too high, or if the amount of other substances becomes too low, it can upset the balance and lead to hyposmolality. This can be caused by drinking too many fluids and overhydrating the body. It can also be caused by a condition called hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood.
Mild cases of hyposmolality usually have no symptoms. Moderate cases can cause nausea and headaches. In severe cases, hyposmolality can cause seizures and coma and may be life threatening, but such cases are rare.
Keep in Mind
In many cases, the body will fix a case of hyposmolality by producing diluted urine (urine with more water) to get rid of excess water. If the body can't do that, hyposmolality can be serious, but if it's identified early, it can almost always be treated effectively.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.