Author:
Randy Alexander
Date Of Creation:
24 April 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
The concentration of potassium in the body affects the nerves and the ability to communicate with cells of the digestive system, the heart, and all other muscles. Most of the potassium inside the cells and the concentration of potassium in the blood are usually maintained within a specific range by the endocrine system. Hypokalaemia occurs when potassium levels are low and insulin sensitivity decreases. People with hypokalemia often experience impaired physical health.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identify signs
Keep track of the initial warning sign. Low potassium levels usually manifest as primary signs of muscle pain, cramps and unusual weakness (if severe respiratory and gastrointestinal muscle failure). If the potassium level drops low, neuromuscular cells cannot get enough energy to work continuously, thereby making it difficult for muscles to contract.
- Fainting, muscle spasms, tingling or numbness of the muscles can all indicate that a potassium deficiency is severe. At this point, you should see your doctor immediately.
Early diagnosis. Severe drop in potassium can affect the heart. Low potassium levels can alter heart function, leading to irregular heart rhythms, particularly in severe arrhythmias. Long-term low potassium levels can cause structural and functional changes in the kidneys.
Be wary of situations that lead to a potassium deficiency. Get tested for potassium if you have diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, or weakness. You will have a blood drawn and undergo Basic Metabolism Table (BMP) tests, which include testing for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate, and hydrogen carbonate).- Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may alternate testing with a Comprehensive Metabolism Table (CMP) - a test that includes a Basic Metabolism Table and liver function test.
Method 2 of 3: Reception of diagnosis
Check potassium concentration. Serum potassium concentrations below 3.5 millioles per liter (mmol / L) are considered low; Normal concentration is from 3.6-5.2 mmol / L. In addition, you will be tested for other electrolytes such as calcium, glucose, magnesium and phosphorus.- Blood tests also include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatin level tests to check kidney function.
- Patients taking Digitalis should also be tested for digoxin levels as it affects heart rate.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) test. An electrocardiogram test helps determine if the heart has been damaged or has problems. If the skin has a lot of hair, the doctor will shave off the hair to place the 12 leads on the arms, chest and legs. Each lead will transmit ECG information to the screen in 5 - 10 minutes. The patient must try to lie still and the ECG test may be repeated.
- Low magnesium concentrations can lead to low potassium levels. If this is the case, the intervals on the ECG display will be prolonged and lead to Peak Twisting.
Method 3 of 3: Determine the cause
Talk to your doctor about diuretics. Diuretic use reduces potassium levels. Some diseases, such as high blood pressure, require treatment with diuretics. However, if the diuretic causes a potassium deficiency, talk to your doctor about an alternative medicine.
- Diuretics are a group of drugs that include Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Diuretics help lower blood pressure by increasing the frequency of urination. However, this can lead to an imbalance in many minerals in the body, including potassium, as these minerals follow the urine out.
Lifestyle assessment to determine potential causes. Potassium deficiency can be caused by disease and also by lifestyle. Therefore, lifestyle changes can help prevent potassium deficiency. Frequent drinking, using laxatives too much, or sweating can lead to a potassium deficiency. Talk to your doctor about changing habits or living environments.
- Seek treatment for alcoholism if you are unable to quit alcohol on your own.
- If you use laxatives too much, talk to your doctor about natural remedies instead.
- If you sweat a lot, make changes to your work or living environment. Stay cool, drink plenty of fluids or apply other medical treatment to reduce sweating if needed.
Laboratory tests to detect pathology. Potassium deficiency can be a sign of a number of serious illnesses. Chronic kidney disease and diabetic ketoacidosis can lower potassium levels and need immediate treatment. In addition, some other diseases cause potassium deficiency such as folic acid deficiency or vomiting and persistent diarrhea caused by stomach disease.
- Hyperaldosteronism can lead to a syndrome that includes both hypertension and hypokalemia.
Adjust your diet. The best way to increase potassium levels is to eat foods rich in potassium. If you want to take a potassium supplement, you should consult your doctor to avoid excess potassium. Some potassium-rich foods include:
- Banana
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Potato
- Spinach (spinach)
- Beans and peas
- dried fruits
Advice
- The test may show you need to take a solution or a potassium tablet to increase the concentration of potassium in your blood. Also, ask your doctor about potential causes of potassium deficiency such as diet and prescription medications, such as diuretics.
- Severe hypokalemia can also be treated by injecting potassium solution directly into a vein or by taking a potassium tablet. Patients with a diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis may need this treatment.
- Potassium is a chemical element found in natural compounds such as salt. For example, potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute but is unpopular because it has a different flavor than table salt (NaCl). Potassium is present in seawater with many minerals and is also essential for living organisms.
- Mild hypokalemia with "no" symptoms does not require treatment with prescription drugs. Your doctor may simply rely on your diet and body's ability to instruct you to eat potassium-rich foods, thereby regulating potassium levels in your body.
