Hypokalemia Symptoms

Potassium is the major positive ion or cation found in a human body. It is essential for normal functioning of body cells. Approximately, 95% of the body potassium is found inside the cells. The rest being found in the blood. Normal blood potassium level is between 3.5-5.0 millimoles/liter.

An abnormal fall in the level of potassium in the human body can lead to disorders in nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and excretory systems. Hypokalemia is the medical term used to describe the condition of low concentration of potassium in the blood.

• Insufficient consumption of potassium is one of its major causes.
• Excessive loss of fluid through vomiting, perspiration, and diarrhea that flushes out potassium from the body.

• Various laxatives and thiazide diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, increase the chances of its occurrence.
• Medicines with antifungal properties help in causing hypokalemia.

• A disease called diabetic ketoacidosis involves polyuria and volume contraction, which in turn involves loss of potassium from the kidney tubules, as potassium is present in the body as cations, and therefore it easily binds with the negatively charged ketones. Thus, hypokalemia is generally found to occur with diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Magnesium is an important constituent for the adequate processing of potassium. Low level of magnesium in the body or hypomagnesemia can lead to hypokalemia.
• Genetic disorders, such as Bartter syndrome or Gitelman syndrome, involves defective renal salt disorder. These diseases often lead to hypokalemia by following a manner similar to diuretics.

• Alkalosis or low hydrogen ion concentration of the blood or other tissues can cause a shift of potassium from the plasma and interstitial fluids into cells. It may be mediated by stimulation of sodium-hydrogen cation exchange and an accompanying activation of sodium and potassium cations - ATPase activity.

In this manner, alkalosis eventually leads to hypokalemia.

The symptoms of hypokalemia in humans are many and often makes its diagnosis difficult. There appears a possibility of various kinds of diseases with the given symptoms. It is always better to consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis.

Mild hypokalemia in humans is usually asymptomatic. This makes the diagnosis difficult at an early stage.

• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Weakness
• Decrease in muscle strength
• Discomfort of muscles
• Occurrence of muscle cramps on exercising
• Discomfort in the legs while sitting still

• Uncomfortable positioning of the legs and stomping of the feet on the floor
• Decrease in tendon reflexes
• Hypotension
• Changes in mental status such as lethargy
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Constipation
• Cramps in the abdomen
• Thirst
• Fatigue

• Potassium deficiency increases hypertension risks
• Ventricular arrhythmia, which can even lead to cardiac arrest
• Bradycardia or tachycardia
• Appearance of Cushingoid

• Reduction of intestinal movements, or paralytic ileus
• Respiratory disorders
• Nocturia or polydipsia
• Paresthesias
• Occasional flaccid paralysis
• Extreme weakness

If one observes the aforementioned signs and symptoms, he/she should consult a physician as soon as possible for proper diagnosis, evaluation, and on-time treatments.

Usually, potassium supplements are prescribed. If some other disease or hereditary disorder has led to hypokalemia in one's case, then the causative disease is treated first along with the bringing up of the potassium level to the desired limit. In severe cases, the affected people may be hospitalized for proper care and may be given potassium through vein.

However, one can take some remedial measures to speed up the process of recovery.

• Increase the intake of foods high in potassium. These are sweet potato, potato, tomato, beans, soybean, lentils, yogurt, low-fat milk, bananas, peaches, prunes, apricots, spinach, and fish like tuna, halibut, and rock fish.

• Add a potassium supplement to the daily diet.
• Compensate the loss of potassium after heavy exercising and perspiration by drinking sports drinks as they contain electrolytes.

Adhering to a healthy balanced diet along with consuming foods high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium would definitely keep one away from various deficiencies. An adult approximately needs 4,700 milligrams of potassium in a day.

Generally, a balanced diet is sufficient to meet the potassium requirements in human body. This is the most effective precautionary measure for keeping away all the symptoms of this condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.