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How to Recognize Signs of Potassium Deficiency

February 7, 2024 by admin Category: How To

You are viewing the article How to Recognize Signs of Potassium Deficiency  at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.

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This article was co-written by Damaris Vega, MD. Damaris Vega graduated with honors from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in general science and later earned her doctorate from Ponce Medical School, Ponce, Puerto Rico. During her time at medical school, she was the president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Distinguished Student Association and was elected a representative to the Association of American Medical Schools. She then completed a residency in internal medicine and a PhD in endocrinology, diabetes, minerals, and metabolism at the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine. , since then she has worked as a hormone specialist in the Dallas and Houston areas. Vega is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She has been repeatedly recognized by the National Commission for Quality Assurance for her outstanding patient care skills and received the Patient Choice award in 2008, 2009 and 2015. Dr. Vega is a member. of the American Society of Clinical Endocrinologists and an active member of the American Society of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. She is also the founder and CEO of the Houston Endocrinpogy Center and a principal investigator at several Juno Research corporate clinical trials.

There are 11 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 3,423 times.

Potassium levels in the body affect nerves and their ability to communicate with cells in the digestive system, heart, and all other muscles. Most of the intracellular potassium and blood potassium levels are normally maintained within a specific range by the endocrine system. Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels are low and insulin sensitivity is reduced. People with hypokalemia often have impaired physical health.

Table of Contents

  • Steps
    • Recognize the signs
    • Receiving diagnosis
    • Define the reason
  • Advice

Steps

Recognize the signs

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 1

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 1

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Watch for early warning signs. Low potassium levels often manifest as early signs of muscle pain, cramps, and unusual weakness (respiratory and gastrointestinal muscle failure if severe). [1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source If potassium levels get low, the neuromuscular cells can’t get enough energy to keep working, making it harder for muscles to contract.

  • Fainting, muscle spasms, tingling, or muscle numbness can be signs that a potassium deficiency is getting worse. At this point, you should see a doctor right away. [2] X Research Source
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Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 2

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 2

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Early diagnosis. Severe hypokalemia can affect the heart. Low potassium levels can alter heart function, leading to abnormal heart rhythms, specifically arrhythmias in severe cases. [3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source Low potassium levels for a long time can cause changes in the structure and function of the kidneys.
Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 3

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 3

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Watch out for situations that lead to potassium deficiency. Have your potassium levels checked if you have diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, or weakness. You will have blood drawn and undergo Basal Metabolic Panel (BMP) tests, [4] X Sources of study include testing for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate). and hydrogen carbonate).

  • Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may substitute a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) [5] X Research Source – tests include a Basal Metabolic Panel and liver function tests.

Receiving diagnosis

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 4

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 4

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Check potassium levels. Serum potassium levels below 3.5 millimp per liter (mmp/L) are considered low; Normal concentrations are between 3.6-5.2 mmp/L. [6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source 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 creatine levels to check kidney function.
  • Patients taking Digitalis should also have their digoxin levels checked because this drug affects heart rhythm.
Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 5

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 5

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Check the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An electrocardiogram test helps determine if the heart is damaged or has problems. [7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source If your skin is hairy, your doctor will shave off the hair to place 12 electrical leads on your arms, chest, and legs. Each lead transmits ECG information to the monitor for 5 to 10 minutes. The patient must try to stay still and the ECG test may be repeated several times.

  • Low magnesium levels can lead to low potassium levels. If this is the case, the interruptions on the ECG monitor will lengthen and lead to Torsion. [8] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source[9] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source

Define the reason

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 6

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 6

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Talk to your doctor about using diuretics. Use of diuretics reduces potassium levels. Some conditions, such as high blood pressure, require treatment with diuretics. However, if a diuretic is causing a potassium deficiency, talk to your doctor about an alternative. [10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source

  • Diuretics are a class of drugs that includes Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Diuretics help lower blood pressure by increasing the frequency of urination. However, this can lead to an imbalance of many minerals in the body, including potassium because these minerals will be excreted in the urine.
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Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 7

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 7

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Lifestyle assessment to identify potential causes. Potassium deficiency can be due to disease and can also be due to lifestyle. Therefore, lifestyle changes can help prevent potassium deficiency. Regularly drinking alcohol, using laxatives too much, or sweating a lot can lead to a potassium deficiency. [11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source Talk to your doctor about changing your habits or environment.

  • Seek treatment for alcoholism if you cannot stop drinking on your own.
  • If you use laxatives too much, you should talk to your doctor about using natural remedies instead.
  • If you sweat a lot, you should change your work or living environment. Stay cool, drink plenty of water, or apply medical treatments to reduce sweating if needed.
Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 8

Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 8

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Tests to detect disease. Potassium deficiency can be a sign of a number of serious diseases. Chronic kidney disease and diabetic ketoacidosis can lower potassium levels and require immediate treatment. [12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source In addition, some other diseases cause potassium deficiency such as fpic acid deficiency or persistent vomiting and diarrhea due to stomach disease.

  • Hyperaldosteronism can lead to a syndrome that includes both hypertension and hypokalemia. [13] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
  • Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 9

    Image titled Recognize Symptoms of Low Potassium Step 9

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    Adjust your diet. The best way to increase potassium levels is to eat foods rich in potassium. If you want to take potassium supplements, consult your doctor to avoid excess potassium. Some potassium-rich foods include:

    • Banana
    • Avocado
    • Tomato
    • Potato
    • Spinach (spinach)
    • Beans and peas
    • dried fruits
  • Advice

    • Tests may show you need to take a potassium solution or tablet to increase your blood potassium levels. 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 a potassium solution directly into a vein or taking potassium tablets. Patients with 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 to replace salt but is not favored because of its different taste from table salt (NaCl). Potassium is found in seawater along with many minerals and is also an essential element for living organisms.
    • Mild hypokalemia with “no” symptoms does not require prescription treatment. Your doctor can simply rely on your diet and your body’s ability to guide you to eat foods rich in potassium, thereby regulating potassium levels in your body.
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    X

    This article was co-written by Damaris Vega, MD. Damaris Vega graduated with honors from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in general science and later earned her doctorate from Ponce Medical School, Ponce, Puerto Rico. During her time at medical school, she was the president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Distinguished Student Association and was elected a representative to the Association of American Medical Schools. She then completed a residency in internal medicine and a PhD in endocrinology, diabetes, minerals, and metabolism at the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine. , since then she has worked as a hormone specialist in the Dallas and Houston areas. Vega is board certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She has been repeatedly recognized by the National Commission for Quality Assurance for her outstanding patient care skills and received the Patient Choice award in 2008, 2009 and 2015. Dr. Vega is a member. of the American Society of Clinical Endocrinologists and an active member of the American Society of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. She is also the founder and CEO of the Houston Endocrinpogy Center and a principal investigator at several Juno Research corporate clinical trials.

    There are 11 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

    This article has been viewed 3,423 times.

    Potassium levels in the body affect nerves and their ability to communicate with cells in the digestive system, heart, and all other muscles. Most of the intracellular potassium and blood potassium levels are normally maintained within a specific range by the endocrine system. Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels are low and insulin sensitivity is reduced. People with hypokalemia often have impaired physical health.

    Thank you for reading this post How to Recognize Signs of Potassium Deficiency at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.

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