Hypokalemia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hypokalemia is a condition in which the level of potassium in the blood circulation in the body is lower than normal, which is below 3.5 mEq/L. If potassium levels are below 2.5 mEq/L, the results can be fatal.
The human body is mostly composed of liquid. One of the fluids in the body that is important is the electrolyte potassium or potassium. Almost all of the potassium (98%) is present in the body’s cells. The rest is in the serum or blood circulation.
Potassium helps carry electrical signals to body cells including muscle and nerve cells. So that the function of potassium becomes very important, such as muscle contraction including heart muscle and regulation of blood pressure.
The kidney is an organ that controls the balance of potassium in the body. Excess potassium will be excreted through the urine.
Symptom
Symptoms of hypokalemia that sufferers generally complain of are quite varied, such as:
- weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps in the hands and feet which can sometimes be severe enough to cause sufferers to be unable to move their arms and legs
- tingling or numbness
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach cramps and flatulence
- constipation
- palpitations or fast and irregular heartbeat
- urinating a lot or feeling thirsty frequently
- fainting due to low blood pressure
- abnormal psychology – such as depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion or hallucinations
Reason
Many can cause hypokalemia conditions. The most common cause is excessive loss of potassium from the urine due to drugs such as diuretics. Diuretic drugs are usually used by people with hypertension and heart disease. The second most common cause is fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea or both.
Hypokalemia can also occur in the following conditions:
- eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
- excess alcoholic
- bariatric surgery, which is cutting part of the stomach or intestines to lose weight
- HIV/AIDS sufferers
- chronic kidney disease sufferers
- diabetic ketoacidosis sufferers
- leukemia sufferers
- sufferers of Cushing’s disease
- overuse of laxatives
- use of asthma medications such as bronchodilators, steroids or theophylline
- insulin users
- use of antibiotics such as aminoglycosides
- excessive sweating
- deficiency or deficiency of folic acid
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of hypokalemia can be determined from the symptoms found through a series of detailed medical interviews. Apart from that, the doctor will also do a physical examination.
However, what needs to be considered is that the symptoms of hypokalemia are not too specific, because it can also indicate other diseases. So the doctor can also do blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to confirm hypokalemia. On EKG examination will appear U waves if there is hypokalemia.
Treatment
Treatment of hypokalemia is to treat the cause. If the cause is a lack of excess fluid due to diuretic drugs, then a change in drug dosage may be needed.
Other causes of fluid loss such as vomiting or diarrhea must also be treated to avoid losing more fluids. Sufferers should also avoid excessive sports activities which can cause excessive sweating.
Potassium replacement therapy can be given to sufferers either through pills, fluids or infusion. In patients with mild to moderate potassium can be given through pills and fluids from the mouth. However, doses of potassium that are too high can cause stomach irritation to vomiting.
In patients with severe hypokalemia (below 2.5 mEq/L) should be given potassium by infusion. In addition, it is important to have a heart device installed in severe cases to monitor heart function. Giving therapy should be slowly while paying attention to the heart.
Prevention
Efforts to prevent hypokalemia can be done by consuming foods high in potassium, such as:
- fruit –like bananas, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, avocados, peaches
- vegetables –like leafy greens, mushrooms, beans, tomatoes, beets
- meat –like beef, fish, turkey
Avoid using drugs such as diuretics and excessive laxatives. It is best to use the drug at the dosage recommended by the doctor. Also, avoid taking potassium supplements alone.