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Hypokalemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which potassium deficiency occurs. The norm for potassium ions in the blood serum is from 3,8mmol / l, if there are fewer ions, it is considered a potassium deficiency. A slight potassium deficiency may not noticeably affect the functioning of the body, and will not even cause any symptoms. However, a high potassium deficiency can cause a number of distressing symptoms and even be life-threatening.
| Name of the disease / condition | Hypokalemia |
| Introduction (e.g. description of the disease) | Hypokalemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which potassium deficiency occurs. The norm for potassium ions in the blood serum is from 3,8mmol / l, if there are fewer ions, it is considered a potassium deficiency. A slight potassium deficiency may not have a noticeable effect on the functioning of the body, and will not even cause any symptoms. However, a high potassium deficiency can cause a number of distressing symptoms and even be life-threatening. |
| The name of the disease – symptoms | The symptoms of hypokalaemia depend on the severity of the potassium deficiency |
| Name of the disease – causes | Potassium deficiency |
| The name of the disease – treatment | Potassium supplement |
| Disease name – prognosis | x |
| Disease name – prophylaxis | x |
| Other important (if any) | x |
Hypokalemia – causes
Potassium deficiency can be detected during electrolyte testing, which is one of the basic laboratory tests. As a result of the test, when a low concentration of potassium in the blood serum comes out – below 3,8 mmol / l – it is called hypokalemia.
One of the causes of hypokalemia is the loss of potassium from the body through electrolyte disturbances. Potassium deficiency may appear as a result of dehydration of the body in the course of vomiting, diarrhea, food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, when the body itself removes water and minerals. If electrolytes are not replenished, symptoms of deficiency may appear after a few days.
Hypokalemia can also occur through the use of medications that flush potassium out of the body as a side effect. Such drugs include: loop diuretics such as Furosemide and thiazide diuretics, which are used in the treatment of hypertension, in the treatment of edema, etc. These types of drugs cause faster removal of water from the body along with the urine, thus promoting the flushing of minerals. The level of potassium in the blood can also be lowered by drugs used in diseases of the respiratory system and some antibiotics and antifungal drugs or drugs used in anti-cancer therapies.
Hypokalemia can even be caused by the use of certain herbs that flush excess water out of the body, which can lead to electrolyte disturbances, including potassium deficiency. You should also be careful when taking first-line medications for bronchial asthma or subcutaneous insulin, because these drugs can also lower blood potassium levels.
Other causes of hypokalemia include an endocrine disorder. These could be primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome) caused by adrenal adenoma. Potassium deficiency may also appear in ovarian or kidney cancer.
Hypokalemia – symptoms
The symptoms of hypokalemia depend on the severity of the potassium deficiency. A small deficiency may not be felt and will not worsen your health. On the other hand, a high potassium deficiency results in muscle weakness, polyuria or increased thirst. Muscle paralysis due to potassium deficiency can also result in urinary retention, constipation, and even vomiting or nausea. Muscle cramps, especially in the legs, may also appear.
The more serious and life-threatening symptoms of hypokalaemia include arrhythmias, supraventricular tachycardias, which are commonly described as palpitations. In the most severe conditions, ventricular fibrillation can occur.
Treatment of mild to moderate hypokalaemia consists of correcting the potassium deficiency and removing the cause that caused the deficiency. To do this, see a doctor. Severe hypokalemia is treated in hospital.