Hypokalemia
If the potassium level in the body falls to abnormally low level, hypokalemia develops. Normally the potassium level in the blood should remain between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalent per liter. Hypokalemia develops when the potassium level in the blood falls below 2.5 milliequivalents per liter. The exact level of potassium in the blood could be determined after a blood test.
Dangers of hypokalemia
Potassium is an essential mineral needed for the functioning of the muscles and nerves. This mineral is needed for the proper working of the heart. Hypokalemia is an emergency medical condition. If left untreated, it can even cause death.
Symptoms of hypokalemia
If the potassium count in your blood falls, you will experience muscle cramps, muscle weakness, fatigue and constipation. In the extreme case arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat occurs. Paralysis and respiratory difficulty could develop.
Causes of hypokalemia
Your body might lose potassium from excess perspiration. People suffering from diarrhea have a greater risk of developing hypokalemia if they do not take oral rehydration fluid to replenish the fluid and salts lost from the body. Hypokalemia could even occur due to excess vomiting. Use of diuretics could increase elimination of water and salts from the body, which might lower the potassium count in the blood. People suffering from primary aldosteronism might develop this condition. The adrenal glands secrete aldosterone, a hormone that maintains the potassium and sodium balance in the blood. In primary aldosteronism, the adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone hormone. This causes excess elimination of potassium from the body, lowering the potassium count in the blood. Hypokalemia could even be the symptom of chronic kidney failure
Hypokalemia treatment
Intravenous solutions are administered for treating severe hypokalemia that requires hospitalization. Mild hypokalemia could be treated at home with potassium supplements and diet. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in potassium could help to lift the potassium level in the blood. Banana, avocado, oranges, spinach, apricots, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupes, beans, bran, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, plums and winter squash are rich in potassium. You can even find potassium in fish, meat, poultry and milk. If diarrhea or dehydration causes hypokalemia, you should sip oral rehydration solution to raise the potassium level in the blood.
