Hypokalemia

What is Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia means that the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. Potassium is a chemical that helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body (electrolyte).

It also stimulates muscle tightening (contraction) and helps nerves work properly. Normally, most of the body’s potassium is inside of cells, and only a very small amount is in the blood. Because the amount in the blood is so small, minor changes to potassium levels in the blood can be life-threatening.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • Antibiotic medicine.
  • Diarrhea or vomiting. Taking too much of a medicine that helps you have a bowel movement (laxative) can cause diarrhea and lead to hypokalemia.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Medicines that help the body get rid of excess fluid (diuretics).
  • Eating disorders, such as bulimia.
  • Low magnesium levels in the body.
  • Sweating a lot.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Weakness.
  • Constipation.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Mental confusion.
  • Skipped heartbeats or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
  • Tingling or numbness.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a blood test.

How is this treated?

Hypokalemia can be treated by taking potassium supplements by mouth or adjusting the medicines that you take. Treatment may also include eating more foods that contain a lot of potassium. If your potassium level is very low, you may need to get potassium through an IV tube in one of your veins and be monitored in the hospital.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes vitamins and supplements.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
  • If instructed, eat more foods that contain a lot of potassium, such as:
    • Nuts, such as peanuts and pistachios.
    • Seeds, such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
    • Peas, lentils, and lima beans.
    • Whole grain and bran cereals and breads.
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, tomatoes, asparagus, and potatoes.
    • Orange juice.
    • Tomato juice.
    • Red meats.
    • Yogurt.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have weakness that gets worse.
  • You feel your heart pounding or racing.
  • You vomit.
  • You have diarrhea.
  • You have diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and you have trouble keeping your blood sugar (glucose) in your target range.

Get help right away if:

  • You have chest pain.
  • You have shortness of breath.
  • You have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.
  • You faint.
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