On "Beer Potomania" (Beer induced hyponatremia)

Severe hyponatremia associated with intake of large quantities of beer or after episode of binge beer drinking is called beer potomania. Patients usually present with mental status change deteriorating into seizure or coma.

Pathophysiology:Hypoosmolality of the beer associated with poor nutrition leads to the inability to excrete sufficient amounts of free water.

Clinical significance: This hyponatremia doesn't respond well to restriction of free water but treatment with isotonic saline results in the rapid clearance of the accumulated excess free water and clinical improvement.